Leave it to... someone else

Every now and then I look at the "on this day" page from the New York Times. Sometimes I remember past events. Often I learn something I hadn't known before. Occasionally I peruse the celebrity birthdays.

Today, Jerry Mathers (aka Beaver Cleaver from Leave it to Beaver) is 62 years old. Happy birthday to him. In honor of his special day and the show that launched his fame, here are a few musings on why I am grateful NOT to be a 1950s housewife:


I am grateful NOT to be a 1950s housewife because...

Men's cotton boxer shorts and/or an oversize t-shirt are much more comfortable to sleep in than a modest, full-length, long-sleeved nightgown.

I can take my makeup off and pull my hair back in a headband before my husband arrives home from work - and any other time of the day I feel like it.

Cookies come in quick and easy "break & bake" packages, taking only a couple seconds beyond baking time for a warm & delicious treat.

(And speaking of food...) Dinner can be Chinese delivery, a previously frozen pizza, sandwiches, or sometimes even cereal if I've had a rough day and just don't feel like the extra effort for something better.

A stinky diaper on a weekend is as much my husband's responsibility as it is my own.

I can have a job outside of my house. Or inside my house, thanks to modern technologies and the Internet.


Yep, it is 2010. Mommies can celebrate our evolution over the past 60 years. I may be fighting to balance all my personas these days, but I am definitely glad that I am able to have so many. For those of you who are the 100% housewife/mommy type, more power to you. And I am certainly impressed.

But I'll take my modern conveniences and allowances any day.

Now where are those pajama pants? And my glasses. I need to get more comfortable.