I find it fascinating that so many moms are enthralled with the Twilight series.
Frankly, so am I! I’m really not embarrassed to admit it either. But should I be? Should I, along with all the other adult women who have become obsessed and addicted, do the walk of shame?
Why are so many older women so darn smitten?
I was a HUGE fan of the Anne Rice vampire series. Historical epics, especially during the American Civil War and Renaissance times, have always intrigued me. Throw in a few blood-thirsty vampires and I’m hooked.
But Twilight is based in modern day high school…uh teenagers??? So what is the appeal?
Are moms missing the romance? Do we crave the escape? Do wish we were teenagers again?
I asked a few Twilight Twitter moms why they love the Twilight series and here is what they said:
“I used to be the one who made fun of everybody else who ‘loved’ these books and movie – I would roll my eyes, shaking my head in disgust – I mean, really! A teenage romance about a vampire? And werewolves? Gag! Then, one day, I saw Twilight on TV… and I instantly fell in love. Despite the less than Oscar-worthy performances, I loved it. The next day, I bought all the books and have not been able to put them down! They are truly addictive, and it’s easy to get carried away in the love story. I guess it’s because we can all remember the first time we fell in love, the passion we had as teenagers… I loved New Moon, too – I thought the movie was so well done! Even the acting. Yes, I’m a Twilight addicted mama, and proud of it! The books keep me up way past my bedtime, and I only have one book left to read. I am not ashamed to say I have a Twilight obsession!” @MrsLoulou
~~~~~
“Twilight is an escape from an otherwise predictable life. The romance, the mystery, the thrill of the forbidden all contribute to the appeal. The series made me feel young and in love. It’s been forever since I felt so enraptured with a series of books. I couldn’t put it down the first time, I read all four in two weeks. My heart raced, I dreamed I was Bella and I lost myself in the romance.” @LiteMochaMom
~~~~~
“I think for me Twilight is such a draw because it gives me a bit of escapism while at the same time the story, while a fantasy is very relatable. The issues and characters are in a sense charactures of real life. The vampire theme seems to run in the background in a lot of ways. And Edward and Jacob are both pretty romantic hotties.” @seeJillrun
~~~~~
“I have always enjoyed reading fantasy books. So when a friend told me about Twilight I decided I needed to pick up the books. I started reading the first book and was hooked at once. For me I think the biggest draw was the romance. The story is also a quick read. I read all 4 books in about 2 weeks. I think Moms are attracted to the story because it is a great escape. The books were easy to read and quick. It was easy to get immersed in the world of Bella and Edward. It is every woman’s dream to fall head over heels, deeply in love with someone. And every woman understands the draw of a man that is just wrong for us. It’s kind of the bad boy crush.
I think to every Mom the story of Twilight takes us back to when we were young. We can escape the chaos of kids, husbands, work, the laundry and housework for a few moments and live in the romantic world of Bella.” @ImFreckles
~~~~~
I love Twilight because of Edward Cullen. And of course, because Robert Pattinson is such a hunk… (and the fact that he is only 23 and British makes me sigh). Back to the character… Edward Cullen is the kind of leading man that lives only in a woman’s dream. He’s intelligent, romantic AND stunning. In this day in age, with so many obligations, responsibilities and distractions, romance is lost. Chivalry is dead. It is innate for most women to crave fairy-tale love and romance.
It’s the Romeo and Juliet, Beauty and the Beast theme that gets me every time. Whether fictional or not, when I see two people who love each other and can’t be together, I am destroyed.
The idea that Bella is human and Edward is immortal, the fact that they can never be together, pulls my heart strings. That Edward is damned to be a ‘monster’ for eternity and that he would have to kill Bella to make her become a vampire, that he would damn her soul by taking her, is strangely romantic.
I’ve read the first two books and saw “New Moon” on opening weekend. I’m so excited to see what happens next… and millions of other moms like me are also anxiously waiting to watch the film adaptation of “Eclipse” next year. In the meantime, I’ll keep dreaming and drooling.
Last Tuesday, I wrapped up the Managing Expectations program I facilitated for Life with a Baby, a project of Healthy Start, Healthy Future, a non-profit organization in York Region. The aim was to help new parents cope with the challenges of having a baby.
The program ran at the Ontario Early Years Centre in Newmarket.
Thanks to the lovely moms and their beautiful babes who participated. Special thanks to Claire Zlobin, founder of Life with a Baby, and the wonderful ladies at the OEYC in Newmarket.
I’m looking forward to facilitating more programs with Life with a Baby in 2010!
For more information on Life with a Baby, visit Life with a Baby
With this birthday comes mixed feelings. Now you may be rolling your eyes but the truth is, I’m officially in my mid-30s. I’m this close to being middle-aged. In fact, I very well could be right smack in the middle right now. So I probably have another 35 good years ahead of me.
I’m okay with that. Really. The thirties are wonderful. I’ve heard that our forties are even better. So much to look forward to. So much already accomplished.
I’m not afraid of ageing. With age comes experience and wisdom.
I look back at all of my experiences and know it’s normal to wish I had accomplished more. Done more. Seen more. Travelled more.
But the positive in me says I’ve learned a lot so far. Some of the important things that I acknowledge this birthday:
I’ve learned that I love learning new things.
I’ve learned that I’ll never stop learning.
I’ve learned so much from my elders.
I’ve learned so much from my children.
I’ve learned that true friends are really hard to come by.
I’ve learned that how we each view the world is really all about perception.
I’ve learned to read people.
I’ve learned to trust my own instincts.
I’ve learned not to assume anything.
I’ve learned to give people the benefit of the doubt.
I’ve learned to be more understanding of people.
I’ve learned not to take things so personally.
I’ve learned to lower my expectations of people so I won’t be disappointed.
I’ve learned that hearing doesn’t mean listening and some people have a hard time doing either.
I’ve learned that to truly live in the moment is an art.
I’ve learned that reality bites but day-dreaming is a great place to be.
I’ve learned that you can’t judge a person unless you’ve walked a thousand miles in their shoes.
I’ve learned to turn my head to people who are self-absorbed and jealous.
I’ve learned that relationships take much effort but it’s worth it.
I’ve learned to get by on one salary and live simply.
I’ve learned not be envious of others’ material possessions.
I’ve learned to enjoy the simple things in life, like my morning coffee and my children’s laughter.
I’ve learned to take time for myself to recharge and find peace.
I’ve learned not to wait for things to happen but to go after what I want.
I’ve learned that no matter how old you get, you can still be young at heart.
I’ve learned that no matter how many children you have, you have enough love in your heart for each of them.
I’ve learned to be grateful for having amazing siblings and take pride in the fact that we are close and our children will be too.
I was tagged by Maria aka BOREDMommy on Monday on her “Meme Monday” post. I’ve been stalking, ahem, following Maria for quite some now and had the pleasure of meeting her in person recently.
I realize that it’s now Friday… where the heck did the week go? Since it’s TGIFF – Thank God it’s F*cking Friday and everyone is seriously slacking today, let’s have some fun!
1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. Funnies Garry Shandling and Howie Mandel.
2. Where was your first kiss? On a warm summer night in the middle of the street.
3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property? Does toilet-papering an old boyfriend’s house count?
4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? A few shots to the head never hurt nobody.
5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Didn’t you know? I am secretly a rock singer by night.
6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? The eyes – the windows of the soul.
7. What really turns you off? People who are fake.
8. What do you order at Starbucks? Double Shot Non-Fat Lactaid Latte. Now say that three times.
9. What is your biggest mistake? I turned down certain opportunities.
10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? I like to carve designs in my skin in my spare time. And I enjoy pulling out my hair on occasion.
11. Say something totally random about yourself. I’d love to go back to school.
12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? Yeah, a few people have said I look like Maria Shriver which I wasn’t so thrilled about… does my chin look like hers? Seriously!
13. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? I absolutely adore the Backyardians. And the new guy on Wiggles.
14. Did you have braces? Nope but I probably should have!
15. Are you comfortable with your height? I’m happy being 5’7” but a couple more inches without heels would be cool.
16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? Romance? What’s that? I only know from books 😉
17. When do you know its love? When it just feels right.
18. Do you speak any other languages? I speak Greek. I used to speak French and Spanish fairly well.
19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? I used to… I’d pretend I was in the Bahamas, on a nude beach or something.
20. What magazines do you read? Elle, Canadian Living, Homemakers, InStyle
21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? They are overrated but yes.
22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? Sadly my grandparents have all passed, a few of my dear uncles and an amazing cousing.
23. Do you watch MTV? GAC – Guilty As Charged.
24. What’s something that really annoys you? People who gossip maliciously.
25. What’s something you really like? The amazing smell of coffee, first thing in the morning.
26. Do you like Michael Jackson? How else would I have learned to do the moonwalk?
27. Can you dance? I love to dance, I think I can bust a few cool moves. Give me the chance and I can shake this Greek ass!
28. What’s the latest you have ever stayed up? In my younger days, I could stay up all night. Now I’m lucky if I can stay up past 1am.
29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? No, bite your tongue! Ftou ftou don’t give me the evil eye.
30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out? I sure do!
(FYI: In case you’ve never done a MEME, just remember to link the person that tagged you, answer the same questions, and then tag five people to do the same. Have fun!)
When I was a kid, my best friend was Michelle B. who lived just a few houses down the street from me. We didn’t have many toys to play with but our favourite thing to do was play Barbies.
When my brother and cousin weren’t pulling off my Barbies’ clothes and hanging them by drop-down basement ceiling while I watched in horror, I’d play with them for hours.
Other than my precious Barbies and hunky Ken, Michelle and I would play with the dirt. We’d hang out in her garage, make hamburger patties from the mud and play restaurant.
At home, my dad built me a chalkboard and hung it up in my little playroom, which was a tiny little nook under the stairs in the basement. I’d pretend to be a teacher or librarian.
When my cousins would come over, my brother and sister would hang blankets from the ceiling and we’d take turns performing skits like on The Gong Show. I would, on occasion, bust out my moves like a Solid Gold dancer.
We didn’t have much growing up but boy did we use our imaginations!
Today I have two beautiful boys and they have every toy a kid could ever want. Big toys, little toys, useful toys, useless toys, educational toys, ride-on toys, blow-up toys, action figure toys, licensed tv and movie toys, dollar-store toys, expensive toys. With so much to choose from, there is just way too much!
The Barbie dolls I cherished were MY all-time favourite. What was YOUR favourite childhood toy?
On Tuesday November 3rd, I was thrilled to have parenting expert extraordinaire Alyson Schafer speak to the wonderful group of women in the program I’m facilitating.
Alyson is a psychotherapist and author of the best-selling books “Breaking the Good Mom Myth” and “Honey I Wrecked the Kids”. Her popular call-in television show, The Parenting Show, is now in its fourth season.
Alyson talked about the expectations versus the reality of motherhood and the so-called “SuperMom complex” that most of us know all too well.
Alyson obviously has the guest-speaking thing down to a perfect science with her liveliness and enthusisam, you can’t help but be drawn in. I found myself laughing out loud many times during her talk. Because she’s also a psychotherapist, she touched on some “taboo” subjects… ahem… with such humour and ease, that you felt like telling her not only your life story, but details on your sex life. And that’s what some of the moms did – raised some very personal questions.
I only wish that I had all these resources, information and network of moms when my first son was born.
It was a wonderful session and it was such an honour to have her! Alyson’s website is http://www.alyson.ca/
Managing Expectations is a free six-week program to help new parents cope with the challenges of having a baby, and is offered by Life with a Baby, a project of Healthy Start, Healthy Future, a non-profit organization. The program is running at the Ontario Early Years Centre in Newmarket. For more info, visit http://www.lifewithababy.com/
I’m so thrilled to be facilitating a program at the Ontario Early Years Centre in Newmarket for new parents. Managing Expectations is a free six-week program to help new parents cope with the challenges of having a baby, and is offered by Life with a Baby, a project of Healthy Start, Healthy Future, a non-profit organization.
Last Tuesday, our special guest speaker was Meredith Deasley, B.A., R.H.N., R.N.C.P. Meredith is a specialist in pediatric nutrition and teaches at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Her book will be published early next year and she has written articles for several health magazines.
Some of the topics discussed were introducing baby to solid foods, recognizing food sensitivities and allergies, integrating healthy food choices, natural remedies that can help certain childhood ailments, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Alyson Schafer, author, parenting expert and co-host of The Parenting Show, will also be a guest speaker. She’ll talk about Expectations versus reality of motherhood and the SuperMom complex.
When my first son was born, I morphed into the motherhood role very naturally. I put my son’s needs first, then the husband, then the family, and finally me.
~ I curse a lot more now than I did before.
~ I yell a lot more now than I did before.
~ I drink a lot more now than I did before. (excluding my university years, of course)
~ My temper is shorter.
~ My tolerance level is lower.
~ I’m much crankier due to lack of good sleep. ~ I don’t have the patience I used to have.
HEE HEE HEE!!! *Laughing with an evil cackle*
I’ve transmogrified into a SCARY MOMMY!!! AAAHHHHH!
Although I’m not a fan of labels, I would have to say I was a martyr mom. Looking back, I’m willing to admit that I was a tad neurotic to the point of annoying. I’d turn down advice from other parents, even my own mother. Parenting books were stacked on my coffee table and I’d refer to them several times a day. If anyone questioned my parenting choices, I’d simply reply “well the doctor said…” I was a strong believer in attachment parenting – preferred thumb over pacifier, breast over bottle, co-sleeping over Ferber.
Then my second son was born. Then the madness truly began. I thought I was busy before – little did I know! The transition was challenging for me.
Two rambunctious boys – and I mean rambunctious with every sense of the word, I am SPENT. All the by-the-book rules I followed religiously were thrown out the freakin window. I quickly switched over to the other side… the Dark Scary side.
Dressing up as a witch for me this Halloween will definitely come very naturally for me. And I will relish in playing the role even more exaggerated on Halloween!
I’ve become a SuperMomBiotch!!!
Yup, I’ve said it. Laid-back mom, Type B mom, Beta mom, whatever you wanna call it, I’m a Scary Mom now.
The perfect SuperMom standard and the expectations I strived to live up to left me feeling burnt out, resentful and completely depleted. I hit a brick wall and realized, no more!
It became clear that I had to lay down the NEW RULES: ~ The boys, ahem, all three of them, can’t have dinner until they clean up all of their messes first. No exceptions.~ I don’t have the energy for other people’s stupidity or ignorance.So, my little goblins, BEWARE!!! If you dare cross or piss off this Scary SuperBiotch Mama, I won’t hesitate to yell BOOright in your face!Scary Mommy has a cool contest going on and is looking for the scariest mommy. This was my entry.
Jill at
~ Punishment now is simple – 3 strikes and you’re OUT – no TV/computer. Toys, I will happily throw in the garbage.
~ I will gladly cancel playdates if they misbehave badly.
~ I’ll even threaten them that Santa is NOT coming to our house this Christmas.
~ I’ll use every holiday possible to threaten them: Easter, Birthdays, Halloween, etc.
~ There is absolutely nothing wrong with bribery!
~ We will not go to Yiayia’s house if they don’t listen to mommy.
~ No sweets today if they misbehave – for them. I’ll make sure that they watch me savour every morsel of my milk chocolate.
~ Chocolate and coffee are another food group in my house.
~ If the boys don’t follow suit by the time I count to ten, they lose out bigtime.
~ If my son scraps his knee and there is no blood, I say “Shake it off!”
~ If my son gets pushed by another kid, I say “push him back” – he needs to learn to defend himself!
~ With a Greek mama and an Italian daddy, you better watch OUT! My kids have European blood – don’t mess with them! Or you’re gonna get the malocchio/mati!
~ I proudly show off my pipes if I see another mom giving me a dirty look.
~ I don’t care if I raise my voice in the grocery store or at the mall – even if I get a thousand stares. They’re not in my shoes and they can’t judge. And if they do, they can go screw themselves.
~ I’m not as polite anymore – I figure, if you’re nice to me, I’ll be nice in return. But if you give me attitude, you’re gonna get it right back.
~ I used to worry about what people would think, pleasing other people including close family and friends. I pick and choose who I go out of my way for these days. If they don’t understand, they can kiss my Greek ass!
~ I’m not afraid anymore to say NO to commitments. If we can’t make it to an event, or if we’re 2 hours late, OH WELL. I’m not going to add more stress to my already stressful life.
~ I believe very much in respect – that I will continue to give and teach my kids the same, as well as manners. But disrespect me and my family and you’re off my Christmas card list.
Canadian Thanksgiving is on Monday. What are you thankful for?
The important stuff is obvious – I’m thankful for my two boys, the joys of my life, my husband, family and friends. I’m thankful for the roof over my head, the food in my fridge. Thankful for the sun, the moon and the stars. Grateful for the flowers, trees, the blue sky, yada yada yada…
We can save our thanks for once a year over turkey and stuffing and while we stuff our faces with apple pie and cranberry sauce. Or we can be thankful every day. For little things. Silly little things that we fail to acknowledge on special occasions such as this.
Every day, I try to say that I am grateful for even just one thing. Day-to-day stuff that makes life a little easier. So here’s my list of things I’m thankful for.
I’m really thankful that:
~ the Boss and the Destroyer can entertain one another so I don’t have to play dinky cars as much anymore
~ I manage to make it in school to drop off the Boss just as the second bell rings and the kids start going inside
~ the Boss LOVES going to school
~ and he actually LIKES going to church
~ the Destroyer copies his brother and wants to go to church and school too, on his own will
~ the kids take their shoes off promptly upon entering any house
~ the Boss actually puts the toilet lid down after doing his business
~ the Destroyer usually spills only a dribble of coffee on the carpet and not the whole mug
~ paint is so cheap because with all the scratches on the wall, we can afford to paint the kitchen every year.
~ the gym is across the street from my house so I can blow off steam after a long day of yelling, fighting and disciplining.
~ the bills come in spread out throughout the month so we can actually pretend like we have money left over to spend
~ Canadians can just look at each other and know that we share the same feelings about the weather, without having to say a word.
I’m thankful for:
~ crazy glue which is holding much of my furniture together after my boys have destroyed them
~ leather couches because the more the scratches on them, the more of a cool “worn-in” look they have.
~ the Superstore for selling groceries and the cool Joe Fresh line so I can shop for food and clothes at the same time thus avoiding whiny behaviour at the mall
~ television for entertaining my kids when I’m sick or need a break which can be up to two dozen times a day
~ vitamin E oil which is starting to work on my stretch marks
~ pasta because it’s the easiest dish to make last minute for dinner
~ yoga pants because they stretch out along with my stomach after abig meal
~ parts of South America that grow the best coffee beans
~ chocolate… need I say more?
~ booze… need I say more?
~ the different time zones because it’s always noon somewhere around the world
~ the zany, creative people behind shows like the Backyardigans who can show us that cool kids don’t watch Barney
~ celebrity magazines that show stars without makeup and with cellulite
~ Twitter, Facebook, Blogger because I finally have a social life again
~ push-up bras so give my saggy boobs a much-needed lift
~ Ari Gold, Hank Moody and Edward Cullen for living in my mind and helping me get through my day!
Well now I’m faced with another change that I’m not sure I’m quite ready for.
Just the other day, I suddenly find Teletoon blaring on the television.
Let’s not get started on how much television children should watch, ok? I know it’s not meant to be a babysitter but when your kid is sick and won’t leave the couch, there is nothing like cartoons to keep them entertained.
As I was sayin’, Teletoon. I stop dead in my tracks. Wait a second… what happened to Treehouse? (For those of you who live in the U.S., Treehouse is the Canadian equivalent to Nick Jr.
No no no! Don’t tell me… the Boss has graduated from Treehouse already? I knew the day would come and I should probably be thankful that it lasted this long. The Boss has officially outgrown preschool shows and onto the big boy stuff.
Shows with funky people that carry swords and have evil voices. Distorted faces that I myself could have nightmares about. Characters that spew words that forces me to do a double-take. Young dudes with spikey hair and coloured tips.
Now he would prefer to watch Bugs Bunny and Tweety, which is fine and dandy. But Pokemon and Bakugans? I’m scared.
I’m not ready for this! I want to go back to the days when In the Night Garden lulled them to sleep or when Little Bear charmed their pants off. I haven’t had enough of Pablo and Uniqua breaking out in song and dance in the middle of the desert. Or DJ Lance Rock bopping to techo tunes. Heck, I’ll even take Dora’s screeching annoying voice any day.
Now it’s onto Pokemon and Bakugans. Johnny Test and the World of Quest.
Whoa, this is all happening too fast! I’m not ready. This is just the beginning of yet another new phase of parenthood. How will I explain to a five-year-old about aliens and superpowers? Which shows are appropriate? Which shows are forbidden for this age? I’m not prepared to answer some of these questions… I’m not even sure if I will know all the answers.
I guess I will have to immerse myself in a crash course of Ben 10: Alien Force and Transformers for the next few days. I’m computer savvy but a little behind on the latest technology so I think I’ll also need a tutorial on parental controls… and fast.
I find it fascinating that so many moms are enthralled with the Twilight series.
When I was a kid, my best friend was Michelle B. who lived just a few houses down the street from me. We didn’t have many toys to play with but our favourite thing to do was play Barbies.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
