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You Are Not Just A Mother, You Are YOU First!
by Tonya Ramsey

Mothers face many challenges in today’s world. They carry the responsibility of many roles. Through these roles we become different things to different people. Sometimes we get divided over having a career and having a families or find conflict between the different jobs that we try to do. Making the question “Who am I?” even harder to answer.

It grows harder because mothers see this little person that looks up at them with innocent trusting eyes, mommy is everything to that little one. She makes the hurt from boo-boos go away with a kiss, chases the monsters from under the bed away, and rocks them after a bad dream. Every mother takes that responsibility and carries it with her no matter where she goes. It is an awesome responsibility of caring for this wonderful little person and being mom is always on the mind. As much as it is wonderful to revel in mommyhood, we still need to remember that being a mother is just one part of us, the more we allow ourselves to see who we are the better examples we can set for our children to leading a balanced life.

As a mother, I have struggled to find my own identity. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a business owner, a sister, a friend…..but who am I? It is easy to define yourself by what you do and what you mean to other people. As we take on these different roles our own identity gets blurred. It is harder to make the distinction. Who am I if I am not Logan’s mom or Ben’s wife?

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Top News Headlines from CNN

'Hundreds of thousands' could have been saved
In 1993, Romeo Dallaire was full of hope for Rwanda. He was about to lead United Nations peacekeepers in the central African nation. A year later he left a broken man, having watched more than 800,000 people perish despite his pleas for more troops to stop the genocide. "We could have actually saved hundreds of thousands," Dallaire told CNN's Christiane Amanpour for "Scream Bloody Murder."

Wednesday Dec 3rd, 4:36 AM

Don't bail out automakers, most say in poll
A national poll suggests that six in 10 Americans oppose using taxpayer money to help the ailing major U.S. auto companies.

Wednesday Dec 3rd, 12:25 PM

Commentary: Big Three may not survive a bailout
The Big Three automakers yesterday presented impressive plans to Congress that justified their need for bridge loans to help them regain their competitiveness in light of a vehicle market that has crashed into a wall.

Wednesday Dec 3rd, 12:23 PM

Police: Mumbai suspect gives up info
The only surviving suspect in the deadly attacks on Mumbai has reportedly given up information, including his name, his father's name and details of a three-month training stint in Pakistan, Indian police said today. The claims are likely to heighten tensions with Pakistan, which has repeatedly denied involvement in the siege that left 179 dead.

Wednesday Dec 3rd, 11:20 AM

Obama nominates Richardson for Cabinet post
President-elect Barack Obama will announce New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as his pick for secretary of commerce on Wednesday, a Democratic source told CNN.

Wednesday Dec 3rd, 9:31 AM


Food from NPR

For The Hungry, A Different Kind Of Takeout
People in a number of cities across the country are finding ways to donate their extra food. In San Francisco, a group called Food Runners will either tell you where to deliver leftovers or send a volunteer to gather up the goodies and give them to the hungry.
Tuesday Dec 2nd, 9:08 PM

Pate: Decadent But Not Difficult
Though it's often overlooked by budget-savvy gourmets, pate is perfect holiday food. It's easy, indulgent and versatile enough for every taste. And it doesn't have to have anything to do with foie gras.
Tuesday Dec 2nd, 9:50 PM

Nigella's Party Plan: An Excess Of Fun, Not Expense
During a time when many Americans are tightening our belts, we may have to loosen them a bit for the holidays, especially when it's time to have guests over. But as cookbook author Nigella Lawson says, "You entertain to see your friends. You're not opening a restaurant."
Monday Dec 1st, 12:55 AM

Leftover Turkey: Bright Ideas From Pro Cooks
Michele Norris speaks with three celebrity chefs, Rachael Ray, Gerry Garvin and Charlie Trotter about what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers.
Friday Nov 28th, 4:54 PM

From Brain to Plate: Psychology Of Holiday Meals
Why is it so important to have turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving? Psychologists discuss how mood, memory and sense of smell can influence what ends up on the dinner table. Find out why aromas trigger vivid memories and how the brain tricks the stomach into overeating.
Friday Nov 28th, 7:00 AM

 
Today's Latest from Entertainment Weekly

'Frost/Nixon,' 'Doubt': EW reviews
Lisa Schwarzbaum on two new stage adaptations (one should have stayed there). Plus: ''Cadillac Records''

'Gossip Girl': Hot for new teacher
Michael Ausiello confirms exclusively that we'll see Laura Breckenridge (''Related'') at Constance Billard

Song of the year: Your pick?
Leona Lewis' ''Bleeding Love'' topped iTunes' 2008 best-selling singles list; a defining ditty for you?

Ask Ausiello: December TV dish
''Bones'' scoop? Check! ''Heroes'' and ''Veronica Mars'' movie scoop? Check! More blind item info? Maybe...

30 unforgettable nude scenes
Victoria's Secret models sashay in barely there lingerie on TV, but they've got nothing on some ''bodies of work''


Working Parents from BusinessWeek

Breaking Bad News to Teens: Just Do It
"Why doesn't Daddy tell me things?" The question came during our drive back to New York from D.C., where my daughter spent Thanksgiving with her dad and I with my friends. Whenever she and I happen to be in Washington...
Tuesday Dec 2nd, 1:41 PM

Banishing the "Balance" in Work-Life Balance
I recently got this email from a reader about work-life balance: As one of the most frequent posters on the Working Parents blog, I?m curious to know what you think about the term 'balance.' In my professional networks, we have...
Monday Dec 1st, 3:15 PM

Zen And The Art Of Personal Maintenance
This entry was written by Savita Iyer, a freelance financial journalist now living in The Netherlands who frequently guest blogs for Working Parents. As a freelancer, I have been constantly pounding the cyber-pavement looking for work. I have never said...
Friday Nov 28th, 4:22 AM

Thankful To Have A Job
Sure, the financial markets are in the toilet, and the economy sucks. But I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: wonderful friends and family, good health (aside from the nasty cold that has lingered since November 6),...
Thursday Nov 27th, 7:09 AM

The Mumbai Attacks Hit Hard in New Jersey
Thanksgiving in New Jersey wasn?t supposed to be like this. As the airwaves and Internet crackle with news of the Mumbai attacks, it?s impossible to wake up in Central Jersey and not be worried about someone in your life who...
Thursday Nov 27th, 6:32 AM


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