Her Bad Mother

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The World According To Mom

A few months ago, my friend David asked me if I thought that it would be possible to travel around the world via blog. "Like Around The World In 80 Days," he said, "but on the Internet. Around the world in 80 clicks. 80 mom-blogger clicks!" "I don't know," I said. "But it sure sounds like a cool thing to try." "Cool. And if you could visit, virtually, moms around the world, what would you want to talk to them about?"

This was my answer (more on our "Around The World In 80 Clicks" project after the post, below)
:

Once, when Emilia was 8 or 9 months old and we were socializing at a local playground, another mother asked me this question: "don't you just love being a mom?" She meant it rhetorically: of course I loved being a mom. How could anyone not love being a mom? Becoming a mom means entering a state of existence wherein you are always, at some level, deeply fulfilled. It means being adored by tiny creatures who delight at the sound of your voice. It means love, giggles and ice cream and rainbows. It also means crouching in damp sand at playgrounds and wiping snotty noses and shitty bums and worrying constantly about whether or not you remembered to restock the diaper bag and, also, refill your Ativan prescription.

"Sort of," I replied. "Some of the time."

My memory on this might be fuzzy, but I think that she physically recoiled.

Of course I love being a mother. But it's complicated. I love being a mother to my children, but there's a very great difference between loving being a mother to one's own children and loving motherhood generally. I mean, I love being married to my husband, because I love him, but I can't imagine marching around saying that I love being a wife. My attachment to my married state has everything to do with him, and pretty much nothing to do with the institution of marriage itself. Motherhood is a little different, obviously: some women really do love motherhood as a practice, as a craft, as a way of life. I don't, not so much. I'm actually kind of bad at it. I struggle with the quotidien responsibilities of motherhood: I dislike cooking, I'm constantly running out of diapers, I'm terrible at managing schedules, and I regularly send my child to preschool in mismatched socks. I hate playgroups, and my house is a mess. What I am good at, as a mother: love, and good humor. I adore my children, and they delight me to no end. We have a lot of fun; we laugh a lot. Sure, the baby sometimes ends up with paper towels shoved down his pants in lieu of a diaper, but still: he's happy. We're all happy. And I'm happy with that. I love that.

So if someone were to ask me that question today - don't you just love being a mom? - I'd answer in much the same way - sort of/some of the time/some of it - but I'd also, depending upon how nervy I was feeling that day, say this: why don't I tell you, specifically, what I do love about being a mom? And then - if, that is, my inquisitor had not gathered up her children and fled my toxic presence - I would provide her with the following list:

1) I love that there are always cookies in the cupboard, and that I can claim plausible deniability if someone asks if the cookies are mine and whether I intend to eat them all myself.

2) I love that birthdays and holidays are major events involving ridiculous amounts of sugar and gift wrap.

3) I love that, for at least some months following the births of my children, I had really epic breasts. They're gone now, but still. For a while I had the bustline of a stripper, and that - feminist correctness be damned - was kind of cool.

4) I love seeing the world through her eyes:


5) And his:


There are, of course, a thousand and some other reasons that I could give, reasons that range from the poetic (the way that it feels when tiny hands get tangled in my hair) to the profane (there's always somebody on whom to blame the farts), but then this list would go on forever, and that would very probably undermine my claim to be ambivalent about the condition of motherhood.

In any case, the whole point of this exercise was this: to consider a standard entre-mamans question from my own perspective, and to invite other mothers - mothers from around the world - to do the same thing and share their answers. In part because I'm looking for some affirmation that I'm not the only mother in the world who ordinarily raises her eyebrows at such questions even as she secretly begins composing answers, but also to find out what it would be like - how the conversations would run, what we would say, whether we'd exclaim in agreement or goggle over our differences - if we hung out in the sort of fantasy playground or playgroup that included mothers from all over the world and asked each other that stuff and got to compare notes. And then maybe had a drink or something.

Which - thanks to the Internet - is possible! Maybe! Except for the drink part!

David and I - in partnership with Global Voices Online - are launching an experiment to see if we get a global conversation going between moms who blog. We want to see if it's possible to travel the world and make friends, virtually, solely on the Vernian voyage power of the momosphere. We want to see if we can pull together a global playdate in 80 clicks.

Here's how it's going to work: this post that you're reading? Is the departure lounge. I'm going to link to a couple of other mom bloggers here in Canada, and to a couple of mom bloggers from other countries around the world, and they'll write their posts, sharing 5 things that they love (or maybe what they don't so much love - this playground doesn't force conformity) about being a mom, and then they'll tag a few more bloggers from their own country and from other countries, and so on. And you're more than welcome to join: just write a post of your own (5 things that you love about being a mom) and find someone to link to and tag - someone from your own country, if you like, but definitely someone from another country (Google is a good resource if you don't know any; google any country name and 'mom' in their blog search function) (be sure to let them know that you've tagged them!) - and link back here and leave a comment and we'll add you to the 'itinerary,' which David will compile and post and update as the tour proceeds.

Are you in? I hope you're in. This is going to be fun. No passport necessary.

So, to get started, why not see a little more of Canada by visiting Redneck Mommy in Alberta, or Sherina from Chaos Theory in Quebec. Then, travel a little further and visit Chocoholic Madness, a soon-to-be mom in the United Arab Emirates, and Fine Little Day in Sweden, and Indian Mommies (there's a tremendous blogroll of Indian moms here!) in India, and, also, Beth, who used to live in Burkina Faso but now lives in France.

(What are you waiting for? GO!)

(Oh, and? If you don't plan to blog it - or even if you do, and just want to run some ideas through the mill here - what do you love about being a mom?)

Labels:

222 Comments:

1 – 200 of 222 Newer› Newest»
Blogger David said...

I'm really thrilled to be a part of this with you, and as always, I'm very impressed with what you have to say. Let the fun begin.

12:59 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

Interesting idea. I will check out the other ladies!

1:00 PM  
Anonymous Lindsey said...

I love the around the world idea but most of all I love the candor and humor of your post. I feel the exact same way and often blog about the contradictions of motherhood, the ways in which it fits and the ways in which it doesn't fit at all. I really appreciate other moms who can share their experience in a way that is direct and honest, unafraid of admitting that it's not all roses, willing to acknowledge the beauty and also the horribly boring, difficult, mundane parts.
Thank you!

1:03 PM  
Blogger Kelly said...

So, around the world in 80 clicks would be awesome! Don't forget about the US! I'm in Minneapolis and it would be a great place to visit... I'd have to find the best MPLS picture to post.

2:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

With this entry, you have drawn me out of lurkdom... When my son was around 10 months old, I went out with some girlfriends for the first time since his birth. Regarding being a mom, one of the women said to me, "Don't you just love it?!" My reply was a blank stare. I didn't know how to respond. Saying "No" would seem monstrous. Saying "Yes" would have been a lie. She just looked at me and said, "Oh sweetie, you're not sleeping, are you?" Upon hearing that I let out a relieved sigh and said, "No, I'm not. I'm exhausted. The baby cries all the time and never sleeps. I love him, but it sucks right now." Thank you for speaking to the complicated truth of motherhood. My son is 3 years old now, and while he still exhausts me, I find him to be the most delightful person in the world and couldn't imagine my life without him.

2:06 PM  
Blogger Mandy said...

I'm so in. This is going to be fantabulously fun and interesting! (And that so needs to be a word.)

2:15 PM  
Blogger Teacher Mommy said...

I'm right there with you, on pretty much every single thing you wrote! But then, I often am. I've probably bookmarked and forwarded more of your posts than any others I've read.

I've already posted: http://diapersanddragons.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

And I'll be checking out those other ladies!

TeacherMommy

2:28 PM  
Blogger The_EmilyB said...

I can't wait to check these all out. As a mom-to-be this reality check already makes me feel better!

3:11 PM  
Anonymous Annika said...

This is such a neat idea.

3:37 PM  
Blogger Kae said...

this is an awesome idea.. Here is one of my favorite blogs, a mom in Russia :
http://americangirlsinmoscow.blogspot.com/
Just to give you another..

3:45 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

Love this idea-it gives me something to blog about tomorrow! So I will be back & with the link up.

3:46 PM  
Blogger SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

This is a great idea! I am going to do it and tag a couple Nigerian and other African mommies to get involved. Will let you know when its up likely on Monday, April 6th at IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER WHEN I ONLY HAD ONE..., my mommy blog.
Wonderful idea!

3:54 PM  
Blogger anymommy said...

Bedtime. The physical aspect of it, snuggles, PJs, reading books, singing songs, it's the most predictable and loving part of our day. And, just as important, the sweet relief that the day is over and I get two or three quiet hours to myself.

4:25 PM  
Anonymous anne said...

I totally agree about bedtime. It's when I feel guiltiest, though...I so look forward to bedtime for both mommy-daughter bonding reasons AND because it means I'm "done" for the day.

And I think that perfectly sums up motherhood so far for me. I love it 99% of the time, but I really need a freaking break some(often)times.

4:43 PM  
Blogger Beth said...

I've got my own post up now and just tagged a friend in Spain.

Thanks so much for thinking of this and getting the blog ball rolling.

5:01 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Beth - got a link to your post?

5:07 PM  
Anonymous Melissa said...

I made this my first post. I've been wanting to start blogging for a while, thank you for inspiring me to actually start!

http://aka-mama.blogspot.com/

Off to tag a few other Mamas right now!

5:10 PM  
Blogger J from Ireland said...

I have a blog that I really don't update and have NO IDEA how to link things but I do live in Ireland.
Things I love about mothering is the funny moments, we laugh alot here. I love that my older kids love to talk to me and tell me whats going on in their minds. I love how my baby's face lights up when she sees me. I love the endless cuddles and kisses. I love being able to be silly and making them laugh. I have learned so much from them and are still learning. I love that they forgive me when we fight. I love that they adore me.
Of course, there is a dark side to being a mother especially as my four children, hold my heart.

6:03 PM  
Blogger GingerB said...

I love you, Baddie.

Here is my link


http://gas-food-lodging.blogspot.com/2009/04/her-wants-hers-mommy-back.html

6:36 PM  
Blogger Amelia Sprout said...

I love how much I laugh. There isn't a day that I don't hear a laugh, or laugh crazily myself. I always get hugs, even if she thinks she's mad at me. Hugs and laughs, I think that is perfect.

9:00 PM  
Anonymous Francesca said...

Joining the chat 'down under.' There are babies galore in Australia at the moment due to a crazy baby boom so I'm sure there's many active mothers talking about this whole mad thing of motherhood.

Another awesome suggestion from yourself.

Here's my link http://myglasshalffull.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/love-being-a-mother/

9:18 PM  
Blogger 7aki Fadi said...

chocoholic madness is not an Egyptian blog, the lady is Jordanian and she lives in the UAE :D .

Also she will have her first baby soon, so she technically is still not a Mommy, BUT I love her blog, she's pretty funny and her cartoons are great :) .

10:15 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

7aki Fadi - noted, thanks! (and soon-to-be-moms totally count ;))

10:35 PM  
Blogger Issa said...

I love coloring in restaurants. Buying tiny footie jammies. Sleepy, sweet smelling babies in said jammies. Watching Disney flicks in the theater. Bubbles. Buying and reading children's books...which I never got tired of reading, but for a long while, didn't feel right about buying.

That first time they say mama. Man, I love that. :) Great idea Catherine.

10:49 PM  
Blogger Jessi said...

I love this!! I just posted my answer at www.jessisscatteredmind.blogspot.com and I tagged www.sleeplessinkl.com. By the way, I loved your comparison to marriage, that most people don't get attached the institution of marriage the way they get attached to the institution of motherhood. I know people who were that attached to marriage, though, who loved their marriages much, much more than their husbands. I wonder if some moms are like that too. TThey love their motherhood more than their kids. Just wondering, I'm not thinking of anyone in particular.

10:50 PM  
Blogger Run ANC said...

Heh. All the moms in my Sucky Evil Moms group went around saying things exactly like that. Always a fan of the absolute truth, I said what I really thought, which was much the same as you: "It's totally awesome, except when it totally awful." And I got me some strange looks and a whole lot of recoiling.

Who needs the fakers? Nyah.

11:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for getting me thinking today. My response is here...
http://somewhereinthesuburbs.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/call-me-mom/

12:34 AM  
Blogger Beth said...

My US-expat-who-used-to-live-in-Burkina-and-now-lives-in-France mom answer to the epic quesion you have asked us all is posted here:

http://bethinburkina.blogspot.com/2009/04/few-months-ago-my-friend-david-asked-me.html

And as for the marriage and motherhood comparison- I've thought about leaving my husband a thousand times. But leave my kids? Never

12:40 AM  
Blogger Mahlers On Safari said...

OK... so let me get this straight. I write a post on my own blog answering the 5 things I love about being a mother and then link back to you and to five more people?

I'm slow...

3:09 AM  
Blogger David said...

That's right, MOS. write the post on your own blog, link to Catherine and then invite 5 others by linking to them. The more the merrier!

7:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a really interesting idea.

8:36 AM  
Anonymous Jenny said...

Intersting how people almost freak out if you say "No I don't like being a mom all the time" isn't it? You know the truth is they don't love it all the time either.

8:55 AM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Mahlers - that's right, although it doesn't need to be five people - whichever number you're comfortable with! Yay!

9:15 AM  
Blogger Kami Huyse said...

This post makes me wish I had a blog where I talk about my kids...almost. Instead I have a blog about something else that I am passionate about - my work.

I love my three darlings madly, including my newest 8-week-old, but I also love my job. I would be a terrible stay-at-home mom. My work keeps me sane so that I can give my all to my kids on the nights and weekends.

The saying goes that on your deathbed you never say you wish you had worked more.

I am not so sure that is the case. Maybe we will say we wish that our work had made a bigger difference. That is what I am trying to do, make my work count for something beyond just renumeration. And the work doesn't have to be paid either. It can just be to better society.

I am hoping that this will be a great example for my children, who one day will have to work too. With any luck I hope to raise children that will add to this world rather than simply consume it.

9:57 AM  
Anonymous mother in israel said...

My Israeli contribution:
http://www.amotherinisrael.com/2009/04/02/around-the-world-in-eighty-clicks-why-i-love-being-a-mother/

10:10 AM  
Anonymous mother in israel said...

And I made up a twitter hashtag: #80clicks

10:12 AM  
Blogger Grit said...

thoughtful post, lovely idea. by the time i get round to it, it will be all done, so i'll just add: seeing them smile or laugh or look happy and knowing i made a part of that.

12:10 PM  
Anonymous Kelly said...

1. I love that I'm the only one who knows the exact spots and touches for (the best) tickles, for soothing, for loving touches that don't interrupt whatever they're playing at the time.

2. I love that I have the luxury to just watch - not always interacting - while they play. Grammy has no idea the full scope of those imaginations and quieter, inner personalities.

3. I love that the holidays are more exciting now than they ever were for me as a child (I'm more of a planner/giver than receiver).

4. I love seeing my genetics, my past (and my husbands) reflected in their bodies and personalities.

5. I love knowing that they are still a part of me, physically, on the deepest (or smallest - cellular) level.

12:17 PM  
Blogger Last one standing said...

Seven months pregnant and I already agree with you.

12:41 PM  
Blogger Michelle said...

I love this idea. And I do have to agree with you that women love motherhood in vastly different ways as we are all vastly different ourselves.

I mean this in the nicest way possible, but do you think you would love motherhood more if you didn't stay home with them? It's just that I think that all mother's get fed up with things at certain times, but it's even more difficult if we never have a break.

12:41 PM  
Anonymous Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com said...

That Chocoholic blog is HILARIOUS! Good pick =)

1:43 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Michelle - would I love motherhood more if I worked away from home? Very possibly, yes. Very, very possibly. Food for thought.

2:09 PM  
Anonymous Joyce said...

How funny, I was just hit with one of those "I love this" moments today, but it definitely isn't always that way. I wish I had the talent to blog, but I'll look forward to the other posts! I will just add that I love how I am helping guide another human being form into a (hopefully) beneficial member of society. I take that role very seriously, but it is also amazing and such an honor to be that important. I know, I know-- moms get lots of flack for thinking that because they reproduced, they have that holier-than-thou attitude. But when my baby girl looks up at me with her huge grin and eyes that dance only for me, I do get a bit high. Can't help it! It makes the saggy bits and "frankenvulva" [copyright of Her Bad Mother!] completely worth it a million times over. *sigh*

4:08 PM  
Blogger Karen MEG said...

I Love this...I'm going...and I'll be back...

4:53 PM  
Blogger jenB said...

You could see Redneck Mommy AND ME at almost the same time dammit. Why am I second place??? :-)

We are close-ish-ish.

jen

4:57 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

jen! SWEETY! I wasn't sure you'd want to be tagged!

Will you do a post? Cuz I'll totes throw your name up there beside Tanis's... ;)

5:06 PM  
Blogger Al_Pal said...

Really cool idea! Go, y'all!
:D

10:30 PM  
Blogger Mr Lady said...

You know, I think it's all in your perspective.

And I will happily blog it for you. :)

11:00 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Thank you, Mr ;)

Mr. *AWESOME*

Let me know when it's up!

11:37 PM  
Blogger Palymama said...

Just posted my version(http://snipurl.com/f4ocd) of Around the World.. I have teens so my version may be a little different from the other moms. My global mention is AModernMother from Great Britain http://www.amodernmother.com/
Can't wait to read everyone's!

2:03 AM  
Blogger growing4good said...

Loved this blog! I took your challenge and encouraged others to as well! I hope you get good results! My own 80-click blog can be found at: knepsa.blogspot.com, titled, Expat in China.

9:28 AM  
Anonymous Redneck Mommy said...

Done. It wasn't easy as it's tough to be coherent when one is stoned on pain pills but I got it up. Sorry it took so long, love.

Smooches,

4:40 PM  
Blogger Karen MEG said...

Mine's up .... and I love being a mom because it gives me such wonderful blog fodder... and the opportunity to hook up and communicate with so many fabulous women.

http://gliks.blogspot.com/2009/04/visiting-motherhood-in-80-clicks.html

6:31 PM  
Blogger Elizabeth King Humphrey said...

My post is scheduled to go live on Monday...and, I agree...I certainly don't think I would have nearly as much to blog about without the kids. But darn if technology would rank up there...I had to re-write the post after my blogging software ate the first post. Yikes.

Great post--super inspiration. Thanks,

Elizabeth
http://blogs.coastalcarolinamoms.com/
(and www.TheWriteElizabeth.com)

10:01 PM  
Anonymous Kelley @ magnetoboldtoo said...

Mine is up. And it only took me 3 hours to write considering I had all the 'mummy' things to do.

http://magnetoboldtoo.com/2009/04/04/jules-verne-is-like-a-boys-name-right-betcha-his-mother-has-a-sense-of-humour-with-a-u/

12:06 AM  
Anonymous Mistress B said...

Motherhood to me is everything to do with my kids and not the institution. I enjoyed this, thanks. Looking forward to travelling around the world with ya'll.

5:24 AM  
Blogger Robin said...

This is such a fascinating idea you've come up with, I can't wait to see where it goes.

Here's my leg of the journey:

Around the World in 80 Clicks - A Motherhood Journey

6:14 AM  
Blogger Foggy Views said...

Try http://thenocturnalwench.wordpress.com/

he is in JHB South Africa. Great BLOG.

7:38 AM  
Blogger Foggy Views said...

Sorry, cannot type. She is a she; not a he.

8:01 AM  
Blogger anymommy said...

Okay, I'd just left a comment, but Robin tagged me, so I wrote a post!

http://www.anymommyoutthere.com/2009/04/realizations.html

11:55 PM  
Blogger Susan Moorhead said...

Long time in the motherhood, a girl about to turn 23, a 20 year old, a 9 year old, and twins that didn't make it but I carry in my heart. What do I love? 1) they gave me a world I didn't know existed - that crazy wonderful awful blissful nuthouse world of baby and mother and exhaustion and amazing dance of wonder.
2) I know I became a far better person than I would have by going through all the joys and trials.
3) I love that they all have my sense of humor and we can make each other howl with laughter like nobody's business.
4) I love how the ways they are different from me and my husband and we get to see the world through fresh eyes.
5) I love that they exist. They make everything worth it.

12:40 AM  
Blogger Susie said...

Thanks for putting into words my own elusive feelings. Great idea!

5:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YAY! I love your posting, and I love your idea. I'm definitely going to find some bloggers to link to. Here's a post I wrote awhile ago - I think it's relevant: http://adjustmentdisorder.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/the-question/

8:57 AM  
Blogger Andrea said...

This is a GREAT idea. I'm going to post something and will come back when I do. I haven't made my personal blog public yet, but plan to in the next few days (I'm pretty new to this blogging thing!) and I would love to participate!

10:47 AM  
Blogger Notes and letters to myself.... said...

This is a fabulous idea! I love this! I am linking all over the place:) And if you don't mind I'd like to add you to my blog roll!

4:29 PM  
Blogger Daffodil Campbell said...

I got tagged ! My first-ever tag, I think.

I answered before I read all of the other answers, and mine are kind of from the hip. Short, sweet, maybe a swear word in there too....BUT I'm in Hawaii, so I can totally help with that "round the world" thing !
http://daffodilcampbell.blogspot.com/2009/04/that-mushy-gushy-post-i-promised-you.html

6:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I posted! And I tagged Tiff at www.mythreeringcircus.com. She's in Australia.

6:49 PM  
Blogger Notes and letters to myself.... said...

Mine's up!

http://iidlyyckma.blogspot.com/2009/04/calling-all-moms.html

10:51 PM  
Blogger J said...

I'm in. Here's mine. I'm from the SF Bay Area, so not very international to those who live in North America. But I really liked this idea. :)

http://jellyjules.com/?p=1868

12:50 AM  
Blogger Mimi said...

FWIW I used to give (of course) pretty much the same answer and get pretty much the same reaction.

Hm. I'm giving this a think ...

4:43 AM  
Anonymous Miss Boule said...

oh how fun... i going to follow the post from here Belgium. See you!

4:59 AM  
Blogger Tina@ SendChocolateNow said...

Such a great idea. I'm in.

Why Do I Keep Them? Because I LIKE Junky Cereal

T.

6:08 AM  
Blogger witchypoo said...

Already posted. Great idea.

8:54 AM  
Blogger SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

Hey Catherins! Great idea, once again and my meme is now posted at IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER WHEN I ONLY HAD ONE...

9:48 AM  
Anonymous sheila said...

Found you through SandierPastures and although I wasn't tagged, thought I'd jump in anyhow. lol. This is a really great idea. My post is up.

Also, I know you closed comments on your 'lost' post, but that was a great post. I have a long lost 1/2 sister from my biological fathers 2nd (or 3rd?) marriage that I am contemplating contacting. I just loved that lost post.

10:46 AM  
Blogger The Four Week Vegan said...

I got my ticket and my bags are packed!
http://toomanyhats.ahiafamily.net/2009/04/aroung-world-in-80-clicks.html

Simpler address:

http://toomanyhats.ahiafamily.net/

12:41 PM  
Blogger oreneta said...

Burkina Beth tagged me, and the post is up... http://orenetaaground.blogspot.com/2009/04/enough-about-painting-already-no.html

Great idea

1:38 PM  
Blogger Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

I've got great bloggy friends in High places (read around the globe) I'm in.. sort of/kind of oh I'll get it!!

5:26 PM  
Anonymous momblogger said...

A post from Manila, Philippines

http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2009/04/07/a-moms-graduation-speech/

11:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Got anyone in Lithuania yet? I'll have to gather some photos.

1:17 AM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Sidney - Lithuania would be great!

8:51 AM  
Blogger Loukia said...

I love this post, it's one of my favourites I've read in a long time! I will also participate on my blog. :) Thank you!

I am searching for a mom blog from Greece but am having no luck currently....

9:47 AM  
Anonymous A Modern Mother said...

A contribution from the UK http://tinyurl.com/d66qqs

11:52 AM  
Blogger Dorset Dispatches said...

And another contribution from Bosnia for you. Very interested to see where this goes in the end!

http://britsinbosnia.blogspot.com/2009/04/lists-and-love-of-mother.html

3:05 PM  
Blogger Nan Sheppard said...

Yay! I'm playing too! And I just HAVE to come back and visit all of these other peeps. No sleep tonight, I fear...

5:16 PM  
Anonymous B o o. said...

Thanks for tagging me, HBM. I am a long time lurker! :)

Heres my post - http://boosbabytalk.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks-sounds-cool.html

6:11 PM  
Blogger Nan Sheppard said...

I have posted, but not seeing a link in your list yet. I am blonde, you may need to explain things to me slowly... I've linked to mommies from Estonia, Trinidad, England , California and Morocco!

8:07 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Nan - that's awesome! If you don't see your link, could you cut and paste it into a comment here, and then we can add it manually? Thanks!

8:26 PM  
Blogger Mummy said...

One from China to add to your list (thanks to Fraught Mummy in Bosnia for showing me all these amazing Mummy links).

http://www.bloominmavelous.blogspot.com/

9:56 PM  
Anonymous Grace @ Sandier Pastures said...

I have taken part! Here's my entry, from Dubai: http://www.sandierpastures.com/memes/why-i-love-being-a-mom-around-the-world-in-80-clicks.html

2:21 AM  
Anonymous Mrs. Wilson said...

Posted!

http://heymrswilson.net/five-things-i-love-about-being-a-mom

Thanks for starting this! I'm LOVING all the posts :)

4:38 AM  
Blogger Um Naief said...

what a fantastic idea... altho, today has been filled with anxiety, so i'll try to do this later this evening or tomorrow.

it's nice to read about what other mothers are going through... you don't feel so alone.

6:58 AM  
Blogger Connie said...

I am an American mom, living (for now) in Egypt, who was tagged by Expat Mom in Guatemala. Very nice meme! Keep those kids laughing - that is so important :)

Here is my post: http://whaleears.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

7:09 AM  
Anonymous Irene said...

French mom from Paris joining in!

my post:
http://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/the-world-according-to-mom.html

9:58 AM  
Blogger nicole said...

I am playing along.
http://deliajude.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

11:32 AM  
Anonymous Reveda said...

Hi....is it just for mommy bloggers or for daddy bloggers too....I blog for my 5 month old and can have my wife write those 5 things....

Let me know your views please.

2:31 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Reveda - we'd be honored to have a dad join in!

4:41 PM  
Blogger Marcy said...

I couldn't help it, I jumped in, too. =) Here's my post:
http://mightymarce.blogspot.com/2009/04/world-according-to-mom.html

11:07 PM  
Blogger Itchingtowrite said...

http://itchingtowriteblogs.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

12:30 AM  
Blogger And I'll Raise You 5 said...

I got tagged today by a friend, so I played along too. My post is at: http://andillraiseyou5.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

Thanks for putting this out there!

2:50 AM  
Anonymous Mamati @ Daily dose of me said...

I joined in all the way from the Middle East, Oman.

What a great idea this is and i loved being part of it.

You can read my post here

http://dailydoseofme.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/busy-days-ahead/

5:33 AM  
Anonymous Jaye @ canadian-mom.ca said...

I love this idea, my post is up :)

8:46 AM  
Blogger Donna said...

Mothergoosemouse and Connie tagged me. I'm in from Beijing, China, at http://emailfromtheembassy.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

9:43 AM  
Blogger Vania B. said...

Nice idea. A friend of mine told me about this meme and helped me with the translation spanish-english (thank you again Eduardo).

You can find my post from BOLIVIA at:

http://balduquesa.blogspot.com/2009/04/la-vuelta-al-mundo-en-80-clicks-around.html

10:07 AM  
Blogger Loukia said...

Hey! I just wrote a post called "5 reasons I love being a mom" on my blog and I tagged a few other moms, as well, and of course, linked back to you. Thank you, this was fun. Your blog is just very enjoyable!

10:28 AM  
Blogger Johnna said...

I just posted to join the experiment. I LOVE it. Kudos to you and David for doing it. I linked to a mom in South Africa who, from what I could tell, hadn't yet been linked to you yet. And I'm now inspired to blog more and more. Finding the time is not an option - I will MAKE time to do so. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

11:22 AM  
Blogger Johnna said...

Forgot to add my blog address:
http://itsmylife-johnna.blogspot.com/

11:23 AM  
Blogger Mr Lady said...

It took me a minute, but Western Canada is checking in. :)

12:17 PM  
Blogger Kate said...

http://katescrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/04/motherhood.html

I've chimed in with my five cents! :)

10:43 PM  
Anonymous Mandira said...

I love the idea...I think I might have to jump in as well.

2:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I got tagged twice, once from Israel and once from Trinidad. I just posted my response. I'm an American mom raising kids in North Africa--currently Morocco.

5:19 AM  
Blogger witchypoo said...

Representing the East Coast of Canada
http://psychicgeek.com/eighty-clicks-around-the-world/

7:57 AM  
Blogger PunditMom said...

I'm not really late to the party, just biding my time! ;)

4:05 PM  
Blogger Rebecca said...

Great idea - I happily participated. You can read my post here:
http://alittlebitofmomsense.blogspot.com/2009/04/world-according-to-mom-my-version.html

Thanks!

9:18 PM  
Blogger Um Naief said...

I've done my list... :)

This was nice... especially for a mom that has more bad days than good as of late...

made me sit back and really think about all the reasons I love being a mom and, even more, all the reasons I truly love my son!

Thanks!

7:29 AM  
Blogger Toni said...

I'm joining in from Washington state and tagged friends in Australia, Canada and England. This was fun!

http://dailyvignette.com/2009/04/11/moms-around-the-world/

10:08 AM  
Blogger Susie said...

great idea - I'm joining in from Ohio and tagged someone in Hungary

http://susiehereonly.blogspot.com/2009/04/being-mama.html

10:48 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Mine is up!

I loved your post and I can't wait for a few quiet minutes to follow some of these links and read around the world!

I'm at:
http://hyphenmama.blogspot.com/2009/04/its-meme-time-around-world-in-80-clicks.html

12:02 PM  
Blogger Melissa said...

Hi there! My post has been added. From Korea, I am http://koreangoldfish.blogspot.com

Great idea! Thanks~

7:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And contributing from The Other Dakota, They Call Me Mom.

http://shootthehelp.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/how-do-i-love-…count-the-ways/

11:26 PM  
Blogger Irish Mammy said...

Hi there

Here is your first contribution from Ireland!! Great initiative, all the best with it,

http://irish-mammy.blogspot.com/2009/04/80-clicks-around-mom-blogging-sphere.html

Irish Mammy

2:19 PM  
Blogger artyfeminist said...

Hi just posted my observations

I am an American living in Ireland.

www.artyfeminist.blogspot.com

Good luck with this it is a great idea.

5:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

again with the backwards doing of the things! I post and tag & link, and THEN drop a note to the other bloggers letting the know that I'm tagging them and might they be interested. Dear lord, I have GOT to get out of the midwest SOON. The prolonged exposure seems to be affecting my brain processes... oof-duh. Yeah, you betcha'.

Mental flogging for me and sincere apologies from me, to Catherine, David, and my tag-ees.

5:49 PM  
Anonymous frogpondsrock said...

Hi I am Australian and I live on a small island underneath Australia. I have just done your meme..

http://frogpondsrock.com/2009/04/around-the-world-in-80-clicks/

cheers Kim

9:08 PM  
Blogger Aneela Z said...

was tagged by Mad Momma in Delhi to do this...my post is at:
http://golkamra.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-much-i-love-thee-let-me-count-ways.html

10:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(So confusing when they don't put up the nicknames!)
They Call Me Mom, but apparently Blogger wants to call me shootthehelp

Catherine -- how can I add my link to those at the bottom of the page? I think I'm having one of those weeks where my brain is about two days behind everything else. Man I hate those weeks!

I so love this explosion of mom-ness and hate being such an idiot when it comes to running my own blog. God forbid I ever try to use Twitter...

Thanks Catherine.

12:15 AM  
Blogger VJ said...

My Take !
http://memoirs2cherish.blogspot.com/2009/04/connecting-through-80-clicks.html

12:32 AM  
Blogger the mad momma said...

All done - another one from Delhi, India!

http://themadmomma.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/around-the-world-in-80-clicks/

4:10 AM  
Blogger dipali said...

From Kolkata, India, mother of four grown up kids who are rarely seen at home now.
http://dipalitaneja.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-eighty-clicks.html

8:43 AM  
Blogger Kamis Khlopchyk said...

Great idea Catherine, I finally got mine up!

http://wer4.blogspot.com/2009/04/perks-of-motherhood.html

Better late than never I hope:)

11:27 AM  
Blogger Kami said...

My post is up at http://gsblueeyes.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-i-love-about-being-mommeme.html

I live in the boring ol' US, but I loved playing along. I can't wait to read some of the other great posts! Thanks for the idea :)

12:07 PM  
Blogger sara said...

Happy hello from Sweden,my post is up.!

1:04 PM  
Blogger Psyche said...

I'm in the U.S., and I'd love to be on the itinerary. I'm putting up my post right now, and will add contacts as I get them.

11:17 PM  
Blogger Doriana Gray said...

I blogged today after being tagged by a fellow mother in Norway :)

http://ekkentroslife.blogspot.com/2009/04/tag.html

Lovely idea!

5:02 AM  
Anonymous red pen mama said...

Finally got around to doing this: http://albamaria30.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/lost-hiatus-have-a-happy-post-day/

Thanks for the opportunity.
You're brilliant, as always.

ciao,
rpm

1:29 PM  
Anonymous red pen mama said...

PS Linked to two other Burgh moms, and three international moms: New Zealand, Cebu, Russia.

I can't seem to add my link to you at the bottom. I don't have a google account.

thanks again,
rpm

1:39 PM  
Anonymous Heidi said...

I'm as behind as can be but was tagged on this - have tagged others and posted over at http://littleowl.com/heidi

10:51 PM  
Blogger SUR NOTES said...

Enjoyed doing this tag.

From Bombay/Mumbai, India.

http://surabhish.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world.html

2:43 AM  
Blogger Sue said...

Hullo. Delurking to let you know I did the tag too, via Boo (boosbabytalk.blogspot.com). My post is at http://sunayanaroy.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

Great idea, HBM!

3:20 AM  
Blogger Maryanne Stroud Gabbani said...

What a great idea. I've posted at http://miloflamingo.blogspot.com.

4:11 AM  
Blogger Pipette's Mimi said...

Hii,An Indian Mom in Melbourne,Australia.I got tagged by Dipali in Kolkotta and Aneela in Melbourne- Tagged someone in Hongkong,two in USA,someone in India and someone else in Australia.
This is a great idea.

10:31 AM  
Blogger Pipette's Mimi said...

Forgot to add here's my post-http://peachypipette.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

10:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tagged and posted :D

http://alexisyael.livejournal.com/561577.html

10:49 PM  
Blogger Gauri said...

Hey HBM

Just wanted to say thanks for getting this tag started. It is a great idea. Was tagged by three people on this one and I really enjoyed doing this tag. It helped in more ways than one :)

Mine's at

http://tiny-tidbits.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

10:51 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Done!
Here-http://themunchkinblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/around-the-world-in-80-clicks/

11:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

guess someone opened this tag to a dad.

http://sundar72.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

:)

3:31 AM  
Blogger Heli said...

here's my version, in finnish and in english:
http://kaheli.blogspot.com/2009/04/world-according-to-mom.html

4:59 PM  
Blogger Baino said...

You've reached the Antipodes, the arse end of the world, the land down under . . via Ireland . . go figure!
http://bainosbanter.blogspot.com/2009/04/mummy-meme.html

9:07 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Checking in from Norway... I tagged moms in Denmark, Germany, Jordan, Florida & Australia

4:08 PM  
Blogger Tharini said...

Here's mine, from Chicago, USA!

http://winkiesways.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

12:25 AM  
Blogger Sparx said...

This was a great idea; I've been tagged and have passed it on - I love your departure lounge as well as so many of the other ones that have been done that I've read. Mine's from London UK by the way.

1:22 AM  
Blogger Casdok said...

Brillient idea!

3:45 AM  
Blogger Mom de Plume said...

This is great fun, I have been tagged and have passed on the baton to 5 more people. I love your blog and will be back for more. From Sunny South Africa!

6:48 AM  
Blogger JULIE ♥ ADORE said...

Bonjour from Paris! I'm Russian mom who lives in France!

http://julieadoreart.blogspot.com/2009/04/le-monde-selon-maman.html

7:54 AM  
Blogger Mariana said...

Great idea! I'm joining. I'm a mom from Lisbon, Portugal. Tag me along!
My blog: maedamafaldinha.blogspot.com

8:54 AM  
Blogger Lavs said...

Mine is posted at
http://myownpenseive.blogspot.com/2009/04/5-joys-about-motherhood.html

1:32 PM  
Blogger Choxbox said...

did this twice since i was tagged twice!

http://choxbox.blogspot.com/2009/04/80-clicks-tag.html

and

http://choxbox.blogspot.com/2009/04/two-eras-of-my-life.html

(from bangalore)

2:14 PM  
Blogger Subhashree said...

I'm thrilled, this is the first time somebody tagged me. Mine is at http://mommustbecrazy.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

I have tagged five.

2:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello. What a brilliant idea. I've spent many happy hours reading all the other mums' posts. I finally got tagged so mine is up at http://bsouth.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/a-brief-aside-14-around-the-world-in-80-clicks/

3:50 PM  
Anonymous Shys said...

I'm in This was a great idea.. I am finn from finland. (that why I have the post in finnish and in english.)

4:39 PM  
Blogger Colette Amelia said...

Candie tagged me:

http://coletteamelia.blogspot.com/2009/04/motherhood-mullings.html

1:44 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

I'm from Oregon in the US. Mine is posted here:

http://ryanmichelle3.blogspot.com/2009/04/5-things-i-love-about-being-mother.html

2:15 AM  
Blogger Preeti Aghalayam aka kbpm said...

From Mumbai, India.

http://kennybunkportmaine.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-eighty-clicks.html

3:43 AM  
Blogger Pamela said...

From Finland:

http://fridulina.blogspot.com/2009/04/world-according-to-mom.html

7:14 AM  
Blogger Nat said...

http://noshnreh.blogspot.com/ - Nosh n Reh's mom in New York!

8:44 PM  
Blogger Helen + ilana = Hi said...

I'm in! Thanks to Sparks at http://notes-inside-my-head.blogspot.com/ for the invite

12:53 AM  
Blogger Mamma mia! Me a mamma? said...

Hello from Kolkata, India!

Here's mine: http://mammamiameamamma.blogspot.com/2009/04/five-small-things-about-big-big-love.html

This was such a great idea!

5:06 AM  
Blogger JULIE ♥ ADORE said...

http://eclats.canalblog.com/archives/2009/04/21/13466065.html


one more!

6:11 AM  
Blogger Inexplicably said...

http://slipperysurface.blogspot.com/2009/04/why-i-love-being-mommy_22.html

9:33 AM  
Blogger K 3 said...

WOW!! This tag has really take up the blog-o-sphere by storm. Here's my 2 cents - http://k3-rocks.blogspot.com/2009/04/calling-all-moms.html

4:50 PM  
Blogger Maggie said...

Posting from Singapore:

http://moppettales.blogspot.com/2009/04/aound-world-in-80-clicks.html

10:41 PM  
Anonymous sole said...

Tag's done. Here's mine from Sydney, Australia!

http://liferightnow.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/around-the-world-in-80-clicks/

10:52 PM  
Blogger Kath Lockett said...

Here you go, Kath from Blurb from the Burbs here (www.blurbfromtheburbs.blogspot.com) - what a lovely idea and here's my contribution: http://blurbfromtheburbs.blogspot.com/2009/04/mummy-meme-from-what-i-can-gather-it.html

12:11 AM  
Blogger Megan said...

From the Canadian Arctic: http://www.snowcoveredhills.com/?p=2618

9:15 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I got tagged, loving being part of this

http://yummiemammy.blogspot.com/

6:01 PM  
Blogger aMus said...

enjoyed your post thoroughly and loved doing the tag...

Suma, singapore

http://myaalochane.blogspot.com/2009/04/click-click-mother-in-me.html

3:32 AM  
Blogger illahee said...

recently tagged and blogged here:

http://blackcatgirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/mom-meme.html

4:05 AM  
Blogger Kat said...

New Post in from the UK. Well an American in the UK..

http://3bedroombungalow.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-moms-really-see-world-around-world.html

5:30 AM  
Blogger Monika said...

Done the tag here :
From India:

http://pourmyheart.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

7:33 AM  
Blogger Serious Lounger said...

Ah, another dad here - am glad i am not the first :D :P. from Bangalore, India.

http://sloch.blogspot.com/2009/04/ah-joys-of-daddyhood-or-around-world-in.html

1:22 AM  
Blogger Jientje said...

Hi!! This was very hard for me to do, but thanks to this meme, I was finally able to write about this for the first time. My post is here:
http://heavenisinbelgium.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-theworld-in-80-clicks-mama.html

4:38 AM  
Blogger sus said...

Another post from Finland: http://onsus.blogspot.com/2009/04/world-according-to-mom.html

7:51 AM  
Blogger mommyof2 said...

http://babymomblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

8:46 AM  
Blogger Tanya said...

Hi I just got tagged by http://apinkcanarysnest.blogspot.com/ to join the experiment
http://for-tee-two.blogspot.com/
Tanya

10:08 PM  
Blogger Violet said...

Violte from Bangalore, India: http://violet-gauri.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

12:37 AM  
Blogger speckled egg said...

Hi from New Zealand! I'd love to be a part of this-what a fabulous idea!

2:50 AM  
Anonymous Littlemummy said...

Hi, I've done my post and linked up at littlemummy.com

5:46 AM  
Blogger Jenni said...

Mine's up: http://oscarelli.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

12:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just posted mine from New Zealand :-)

http://gunn-family.blogspot.com/2009/04/world-according-to-mum.html

10:00 PM  
Blogger Cara said...

Blogged my 5 from Kansas. Thanks for the inspiration!

http://www.thebearandroo.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html

11:35 PM  
Blogger Paige said...

Hello from Minnesota! I've blogged my 5 answers, thanks for inspiring me to think a little!
http://funnymagic.typepad.com

11:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bangalore mom has done the tag :P

Here:

http://shankari.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/my-mommy-loves/

2:55 PM  
Blogger Kit said...

Great idea - I've enjoyed being part of the chain. I'm going to read some of the others now. Thanks for starting this.

3:08 PM  
Blogger Kit said...

Forgot to say - I'm in South Africa and here's the link:
http://food-and-family.blogspot.com/2009/04/around-world-in-80-clicks.html#links

3:11 PM  
Anonymous Mama Mary said...

I'm in Southern California. I think this is a great idea! I love your honesty about not loving motherhood all the time. I am right there with ya. I do LOVE it, a good majority of the time, but it can be challenging. Good luck with your goal. I don't know any international bloggers so I tagged a couple US mom bloggers. Maybe they can help with the international thing.
Here is the link to my 5 - I also wrote the 5 things I don't love so much. http://mamamaryshow.squarespace.com/blog/2009/4/30/world-according-to-mom.html

2:32 AM  
Blogger Charlotte said...

Signing in from Germany! Here's my post: http://charlotteotter.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/around-the-world-in-80-clicks/

4:17 AM  
Blogger Charlotte said...

Oh and PS I'm not German. I'm a South African ex-pat who has lived in Germany for many years.

4:21 AM  
Anonymous Laura Lee said...

Hey There.
I got tagged. So I did the post and am letting you know.
http://www.wesitbyfire.com/?p=341

5:02 PM  
Blogger Anita Sarah Jackson said...

I'm in the Bay Area, work for www.momsrising.org and am planning to follow along!

5:45 PM  
Blogger magicalsummer said...

would love to see how far around the world this goes. here's my post

http://summerspeaksat.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-do-i-love-thee-let-me-count-ways.html

5:04 PM  
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