Friends

Sadly, I haven't been very diligent about taking pictures my friends, I've realized. This picture was the closest thing I could think of in terms of representing the friendships I have appreciated so much for the past few years: my Mormon Feminist Sister Friends.  Even those friends I made in Provo and elsewhere who don't self-identify as Mormon Feminists (or Mormon or Feminist), but who have known of my crazy feminist ways and still loved me for, or in spite of it, I appreciate you so much.  I wish I could list you all by name, but I'd be afraid of inadvertently leaving someone out or hurting someone's feelings. Besides, you know who you are. I couldn't have done without you.

 

Nanny no more...

Starting September 2008 I went to work for the Jobin-Leeds family of Cambridge, MA. I had contacted them as early as April after finding their ad posted on Craigslist and went to work for them straightaway after moving here. I think we moved into our apartment on Tuesday and I started work on Thursday. I hadn't yet acclimatized to driving in Boston, so the immediacy of the job, though much needed, was still a little daunting (driving through Harvard Square can intimidate even the most aggressive driver).

The Jobin-Leeds are a Jewish family--educated, well-traveled and very political!--with three children. I couldn't have been luckier to find them. The pay was great (compared to Western standards), the hours wonderful, and the family so supportive especially during the later stages of my pregnancy. As time ticked away, we knew we'd be saying goodbye soon, so the last night of work I made my authentic Mexican taquitos for dinner, Derrick came, and we enjoyed a nice evening together. They are a normally a very healthy family, so I knew the greasy departure from our regular meal fare would leave me forever enshrined in the hearts of their children, especially their 12 yr. old boy. To respect their privacy, I won't be including the children's names in the blog post.

After dinner, the Jobin-Leeds presented me with gifts! Above you can see the youngest, who'd made Felicity and me matching necklaces. Since her and I had spent the most time together, I made her favorite treat, BROWNIES!, to soften the parting blow. Below, the family presented me with a photobook for the baby. It's a momento box made out of homemade paper. It's beautiful and perfect for items not really made to fit in a traditional photo album like locks of hair, umbilical cords, etc.

With the whole family. Can you spot my pregnant belly?

Just me and the kids.
This job really was a great experience for me. I was able to see other families' modes of parenting, and learned a lot about parenting in general and much, much more. Now if only my own little one would come so I could practice my new knowledge on her! :)