Funkidivagirl: A 4 Real Housewife

For the last few weeks much of America has been watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta (although no one likes to admit it); it is for sure an entertaining show. As for the validity of their lives, I pass no judgement; perhaps the show is a good representation of their lives and perhaps it is not, but it is not the life of any housewife that I know, and certainly not mine.

What’s with the word “housewife” anyway? It actually makes my skin crawl, but I’m not sure why. I guess that it conjurs up images of June Cleaver in her pearls and heels and perpetual cheerful demeanor.

Or maybe since the Women’s Movement, any reference to being in the “house” is a reminder of more oppressive times for women. And frankly “wife” can be a dirty word to some women as they furiously protect their own identity after marrying. More neutral terms like “partner” or “spouse” don’t carry as much possessive weight as a man saying “you’re my wife.”

“Stay-At-Home-Mom” is more acceptable to most because the label infers that the woman is at home for her children, and only for her children. That label becomes a bit stickier as the children get older and go to school. ”Homemaker” is even a preferred term because Martha Stewart has made it chic to make cooking, decorating and cleaning–homemaking–a life’s work. The catch is, you have to do it like Martha or it doesn’t count.

Even in discussing the show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, many people were quick to point out that 2 of the women weren’t even married and the majority of them focused on other things besides their families and home. Clearly, even in 2008 people still have traditional ideas of what a housewife is and isn’t.

Look at me: Do I look like Beaver’s mom? Or one of The Real Housewives of Atlanta? Nope! Too funki for the first, not fabulous enough for the latter.

Well, I am Funkidivagirl (you know, saving the world from mediocrity) and I am taking back the label HOUSEWIFE to mean smart, educated, fun, interesting, fascinating, creative, savvy, strong, funki women who understand the importance of making family and home life a priority and who work hard to make their lives flexible enough to make this a reality. I believe that this definition is inclusive of a broad spectrum of women: women who don’t work, work at home, own their own businesses, work outside the home part-time, flex-time, or anytime that family life allows. This housewife understands the importance of being available for her husband, children, friends and community but also that she needs to give equal priority to taking care of herself physically, emotionally and doing things that nurture her soul. She’s no Sandra Dee wimp, she’s fierce!

Here’s a little interview with myself, talking about what it is like to be a 4 Real Housewife:

Look for more profiles of other 4 Real Housewives really soon. You would want to subscribe to my blog via email or RSS reader so that you don’t miss a thing. In the meantime housewives, mop on!

Just kidding

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12 Comments so far

I love the interveiw, I see you put imovie to good use. (Thanks for the tips.) I say real housewives of Atlanta unite! I’ve had conversations about the validity of that show with so many people. Yet, I am still strangely fascinated and of course that is the point.

I do love your interview and can’t wait for the next installment!

Renée aka Mekhismoms last blog post..Babywearing Momma

I love it. Great video and great conversation piece. I think sometimes many women don’t give enough thought or attention to what it means to be a “wife” in general. Especially if you’re not a “housewife.”

Wifeys last blog post..Therapy Needed for FTWS (Fabulous Trip Withdrawal Syndrome)

This was so fantastic, GREAT Job!

Really enjoyed this video! Can’t wait to see the next installments:)

Great job I stayed home for 11 months with BabyWheel and it was worth it. Being available to my family was the most important thing to me…well, and I had time for a lot more. Now that I’m working, not so much.

MommaWheels last blog post..An Itty Bitty Wheel

I loved your interview video! As a recently new “housewife”, I have encountered those same blank looks from people when you tell them about that part of who your life, I would say that the girls on Bravo along with all of the rest of us are REAL. No family or relationship situation is equal and I think that’s the best part. I think all of are lives as “housewives” are FAB! I’m not mad at the four ladies on BRAVO either, but I may be a little ticked off at that “Big Poppa” guy, lol

Loved the music! That was perfect }{

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Great video Funkidivagirl! I feel like I should have a code name for myself. Thanks for keeping it real. Family first!!!!

Great job, loved it! I envy the time you have to get your life in “order”. Working outside of the house definitely leaves me frazzeled! I’m thinking of just walking out of this job and going home to my FAMILY!!! )…..Great job, again!

Great presentation. I am a single mom, kid now in college at my alma mater (I’m proud yes!) and I became an entrepreneur for the same reason. My daughter often says she knew that no matter what she was doing, performing, playing volleyball, accepting an award or simply wanting to talk, she knew that she’d look up and I’d be there. Of course I gave up the financial stability that comes with a steady paycheck. But my daughter and I have a wonderful bond and that’s worth everything to me. So when folks ask me about my investments, I say “she’s just wonderful.” Enjoy your journey!

funkidivagirl.com – cooooolest domain name)))

Though I’m about 2 years late in reading this blog and seeing the video, I love all that you do as a mother and partner to your husband. You have a wonderful life and that is MOM and WIFE. If some people can’t understand the sacrifices that you are making to do what you do then that’s their problem. I do admire it soooo much! xo

May God continue to protect and enlighten your family! xo
TheJennTaFur aka 2Serenity´s last blog ..KFC accused of racism over Australian advertisement | Business | guardian.co.uk

Awww…Thanks Jennifer!

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