Weekend Agendas

First and foremost... Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! I hope that you had a great day!

Today I am in an opinionated mood about a little square off of sorts I had while at our first BMX race. Yes, I am a lunatic, Max is now doing BMX. Good grief. He did very well and while he did not "win" he had a personal win when after totally wiping out about 12 inches from the finish line in his second moto (they do three, then all the best race each other in the finals) he got back on that bike and finished his third moto and the finals. I was very proud of him. He is very bruised but PSYCHED about the trophy he received. You can see the trophy in the pic. Very cool.

So, you are likely wondering about the incident. Well, I saw a woman I know from when I worked at TSC (still miss doing that and seeing Deb all the time, sniff, sniff...). I think that's where I know her from. Anyway, I recognize her. Her name is Lisa. So, we are talking... how's the kids, etc. and she asks if I am still involved with soccer. Well... I am, and we are, a lot. When I tell her yes, and I will admit I speak enthusiastically about soccer (usually), she says, "Then you must be a soccer mom". Hmmmm... well, yeah - I think I just said that. Also I think I don't love that she seems to be implying something negative.

So, I am then fully involved in watching my son and praying he doesn't fall again (he didn't, but he also did ride more conservatively for the final two races) so I think no more about it. Now I am home, it is late and I am totally wiped out, and now I think I wish I said something else to Lisa. So I look up "soccer mom" for giggles on Wikipedia and here is some of what I find:

"The term can carry pejorative connotations, where the soccer mom may denote a woman who is aloof and has little responsibility or occupation, other than providing basic transportation for her children. In feminist circles, the soccer mom may refer to a woman who has given up on a promising and successful career, particularly after having some early aspirations and achievements. However, the word is not entirely negative, those described as soccer moms sometimes take pride in the term as affirmation that they are dedicated to providing attention, recreation and positive social contact for their children."

I find that definition, and the rest of it too, largely annoying.

So, I am merely a transportation device?

Ya think?

WELL, I think soccer is a wonderful social activity, is great exercise and encourages family. I love cheering my children on and don't get carried away and never wish to slug umpires. So Lisa can kiss my teacher, nurse, psychologist, maid, cook, banker, analyst, crafter, entertainer, and yes- transporter's- rear end! Harrrumph!

There, now I feel better.

Here's the Princess kicking some soccer tush - Go Abbie!