The (NOT SO) Skinny Girl

I am reminded on  International Women's Day that I am a woman, and that that is something that is a force to be reckoned with. I am reminded by Hillary Clinton, Ashley Judd and countless other feminists that being a woman is a bold, brazen (nasty?), and strong thing to be.  I just want to take a moment now to count down the times I truly felt like a strong woman. When I learned to throw, hit, and catch like a girl. When I put pen to paper and drew a detailed picture or wrote a moving poem. When I made it onto the honor and high honor roll (the first time and every time) The first time I rode a horse- and every single time after. When I won my first blue ribbon. When I fall off, and get back on. Also, when I realize it's ok to not get back on right away. The first time I decided I had to be strong for someone else. Even though I was dying inside. When I earned my Girl Scout Silver award. When I learned to drive a stick shift. And every time I get to drive one. When I...

So, I have now been a mom for 6 months and about 2 weeks. I have felt guilt during most of those 6 months. Definitely once a day, from multiple sources. I think you could call me in particular a Xennial mom. Xennials (also known as the Oregon Trail Generation and Generation Catalano) are the micro-generation of people on the cusp of the Generation X and Millennial demographic cohorts, typically born between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Xennials are described as having had an analog childhood and a digital adulthood. That being said, I also find that Xennial moms fall right in between the lines in regards to whats acceptable for momming. What do I mean? Let me paint a broad picture. Most Xennials have a higher form of education under their belt- at least an Associates, most a Bachelor's, many a Masters or PHD, etc. Most Xennials are still paying off student loan debt. Most Xennials work one full time job, many have second jobs or "side hustles". Many Xennials ar...