If you're wondering why I've been MIA for awhile, look over to the right, just below the About Me blurb: it's my new blog/column as the Philanthropy Examiner for Examiner.com! You can join the Facebook page for my column by clicking on that box (or you should be able to, if it's working correctly. If not, click here to join!) (If you're not on FB and still want to check out my column, here it is.) I've been working hard researching for articles and getting my writing on.

It feels great (although nerve-racking) to have an expectation that I'll be consistently writing. Obviously, what's great is that I'm not in a contract, so I can give my self/our family space to do more or less. However, that does not mean that the voice in my head, that Do Your Best! voice, is quiet. It doesn't matter if anyone notices or whether I'm getting paid, I want to do my very best. Learning what my best means in the context of being part of a family - this organism that needs my care and attention - is new. Difficult. What I always wanted.

I'm very glad to have Mike, because I admire how he juggles his demanding job and his commitment to us. Not that he's perfect - and neither am I - but he helps me figure out how to do life. And he's been very supportive and very encouraging of my new endeavor.

As I've mentioned before, that's that I believe feminism is about: that a woman's contribution to the family is equally respected and valued. So far, after hours and hours of work, I have made, wait, let me double-check.... $3.14. (I get paid according to the amount of traffic, time readers spend on my column, etc. It's going to take a little while to get the money coming!) Yet, it is a good opportunity for me as a "stay at home" mom, and it is valued by my husband. And one day it will be more than $3.14.

So that's what I've been doing. I've been debating whether I should keep up this blog, as most of you are on FB anyway and see E's photos there, but I know I'll still need to write mommy thoughts, so I think I'll still be around.

In fact, I have some good videos to upload. Coming soon.