Funny how, in this age of supposed equality, the same complaint is heard again and again from all the intelligent, hard-working mothers I know – the difficulty of reconciling career with family. Fulfilling, flexible, part-time jobs are like fairy gold – something you could grow old searching for. We don’t wish to surrender any hope of being financially independent/ valued in the workplace/having a satisfying career. But neither do we want to miss out on our children’s formative years. A generation of kids brought up in nurseries and after-school clubs, no matter how good (and let’s be honest, most of them are just ok) can’t be good. And it isn’t just unfair on women – men are expected to prioritise their careers over their roles as fathers, which is profoundly sad for both dads and children. I don’t know what the solution is but a first step might be actually valuing the role of parent – probably the most important and difficult job to do well.
On a lighter note, I ended up at Lucky Voice karaoke bar again recently and it struck me anew what bloody brilliant fun singing is. I spent a year in Japan so I am well-versed in karaoke bar etiquette (put on Living On A Prayer, Time After Time, and Common People, and avoid rap /hip hop /garage/grime), and for all those who consider themselves not to be fans (who have hitherto only experienced the hideous, achingly-embarrassing British version in a pub with a load of strangers gawping) please reconsider, because this is an entirely different kettle of raw fish. Every song you can think of, from Billy Bragg to Dizzee Rascal, and all your mates in a room, everyone singing along together – awesome.
I also recently went to see Wham Jam Thank You Ma’am (Li Mills’ brilliant pop choir, sister to the Jam Tarts and auntie to Baby Jam), which was fab. They’re looking for more members, too, so if you fancy it, drop Li an email at limills68@hotmail.com
I was working at the Grand Prix a while back (Even got grandstand tickets to sit and watch what appeared to be a very large, noisesome version of Scalectrix) so J took the kids to the open day at Hankham Organics (based near Polegate), which was apparently amazing. They deliver our weekly box, and their veg are gorgeous (if a little kale-heavy occasionally). I did discover the nicest thing you can do with any similar green leaf, though, including pak choi, spinach, spring greens – finely slice, and fry briefly with onion, garlic, butter, and optional bacon or soy sauce. Yum.
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