I find the title “Working Mom” somewhat redundant. What mom doesn’t work? I have tried to spark interest in changing the title to “Relaxing Mom” but for obvious reasons it never quite caught on. “Queen Mum” caught on but seems to be limited to say Royalty and mothers of Sweet Potato Queens. It certainly doesn’t apply to me or anyone I know. Maybe I just travel in the wrong circles…
As a mom of two, Sarah and Nicole, I have come to appreciate my work at AT&T more than people who have never had children could possibly understand. For example, when I want my cell phone to let me know who just called, it tells me reliably and NEVER asks why. Ever tried to get your children to tell you who called? Usually, you are lucky if you know someone called. I love having my own cell phone. I can set a reminder to pick up my dry cleaning. If I think of something I need to add to the grocery list while waiting for my train after work, I don’t need to find a way to write this down, I can put it on my phone. Better yet, I can call to have pizza delivered. I am embarrassed to say that I can even speed dial it. The very best part is that I have the tools I need to organize the unimportant things in life, the appointments, the e-mails, the daily chores of running a household in a way that works with my (involuntarily) active lifestyle. Now, I can focus on important things like visiting my three year olds imaginary Jamaican house and shaking my sillies out.
Now, with Sarah, my 23 year old daughter (no that is not a typo) texting has been a great way to stay in touch. She works full time and goes to law school. A quick e-mail or text message is a great way to say “Hello” and to let her know that I understand and respect her time. She does often call on her way from work or to class and, now that she has a real job, it is not only to ask for money. You can ask her and I think she’ll tell you that texting is good for many things but not to request monetary support. I know if she doesn’t become an attorney, she may become a great lobbyist! Sarah is one smart young woman.
I know that I am very blessed with great kids, a wonderful husband and a great job. I may never receive the title “Relaxing Mom” but thanks to all of the new technologies today, I can settle on “Happy and Less Stressed Mom”.
Now back to Jamaica — or at least as close as I am likely to get until after we help pay off college for my youngest…
About the author: Susan Mazrui, who just celebrated her 15th anniversary with AT&T, has two daughters, Sarah (23 years old) and Nicole (3 years old). Sarah works full-time and goes to Law School part-time. Nicole is a part-time preschooler whose current career aspirations include medicine and firefighting. Married to Jamal, a brilliant software developer and civil servant, Susan enjoys listening to books, described videos and international travel. Susan and Jamal also have a Cavapoo named Ginger (1 year old). Ginger initially aspired to become a guide dog for Susan but later decided to become a watch dog as she thoroughly enjoys people watching and really did not want to work that hard.
Randy Pena says:
December 31, 2009 at 10:54 am
Thanks for posting the article, was certainly a great read!
Darlene Prather says:
January 19, 2010 at 10:01 am
Nice read
Felicia says:
February 25, 2010 at 2:04 pm
That is a great article. I agree that our phones can make our live s a bit easier. I use mine as an alarm and reminder of things I should be doing as well. I feel naked if I leave the house without it!