Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I was born in New york and lived there until the age of 21 when I made Aliyah (emigrated to Israel) with my husband and 1 1/2 kids.
What language(s) do you speak?
My mother tongue is obviously English. I read, write and speak fluent Hebrew but with a dreadful American accent. (I have not mastered the talent of a rolling R.) My Hebrew typing is one step above slowly painful.
I also understand a bit of Yiddish and an even smaller amount of Hungarian. (Courtesy of parents and grandparents trying to talk about me in a language I didn’t understand.)
And, as a nurse, I have learned a few essential words in Russian and Arabic. In my vast limited vocabulary in those languages, I can ask if someone has allergies to any medication, tell them to put the thermometer under their tongue, ask if they have pain and a few other choice words. Sadly, unless they respond in sign language, I have no idea what they are saying.
When did you first become a mother?
I started young. I got married at 19 and was a first time mom at 20. I have five children (3 boys, 2 girls) ages 5-21. What has changed is that at the age of 20, I knew everything. Today, at 41, I know I know nothing.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I have been both over the 21 years I have been a mom. Currently, I work 3 days a week as a nurse in out-patient oncology after transferring there after 15 years in the ER. I also manage the websites for a medical services company 1 day a week, am doing my internship after completing a life coaching course, and I blog and help out with a non-profit. I also cook, clean, do laundry, manage finances, iron, shop…
I discovered writing as a way to express my feelings, and it’s not bad as free therapy either. It is a way to connect with other people and let them get to know you better. I believe life is full of lessons, and I blog about the
lessons life hands me each day. I try to see the things that happen to me and around me in a positive light, and I truly believe that everything we experience is there to help us enrich ourselves, to learn and to grow. I started my blog because I saw how thinking positively changed my life, and I was hoping to inspire others to do the same.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
I think mothers, like all people, are very different and at the same time we are also alike. While each person is unique and no two people are similar (even when we share common beliefs), we are all mothers who want the best for our children and try to find ways to juggle our many roles be it mother, spouse, friend, child…I don’t know if this is very different from other mothers (I suspect not), but I know that I am constantly making mistakes and that mothering means constantly learning and adapting.
I also believe in fostering independence in my kids, and I think that they should be capable of doing all the things that are needed to keep a household functioning. My kids help with the laundry, shopping, cleaning, cooking, helping out with the 5-year-old… and I know that one day, my daughter in-laws in particular will thank me.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
I think kids today are exposed to too much information and are used to getting instant gratification. That leads to frustration in “real life” when things are not as they expect it. Instead of working through things or trying to fix things or relationships, I see kids, teens and adults abandoning things and moving on to the next thing. Our world has turned into a “disposable” place.
How did you find World Moms Blog?
I found World Moms Blog through Galit Breen, one of the writers from Minnesota. Thanks Galit.
Do you have a question for Susie?
Photo credit to the author.
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Susie Newday is a happily-married American-born Israeli mother of five. She is an oncology nurse, blogger and avid amateur photographer.
Most importantly, Susie is a happily married mother of five amazing kids from age 8-24 and soon to be a mother in law. (Which also makes her a chef, maid, tutor, chauffeur, launderer...) Susie's blog, New Day, New Lesson, is her attempt to help others and herself view the lessons life hands all of us in a positive light. She will also be the first to admit that blogging is great free therapy as well. Susie's hope for the world? Increasing kindness, tolerance and love.
You can also follow her Facebook page New Day, New Lesson where she posts her unique photos with quotes as well as gift ideas.
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Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
Susie, welcome to World Moms Blog!
I hear you on the free therapy that blogging provides! By the way, how do you do all that you do? I need the secret!!
I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Jen 🙂
Wow Susie, you juggle a lot! I’m with Jen, I need your secret 🙂
I thought I had answered Jen but must have gone missing somewhere.
I do it by constantly reordering what comes first and trust me, I don’t always have my priorities right.
I do the most pressing first and ignore everything else-which does not bode well when it is a longer project.
Thanks for the welcome.
great interview, Sussie! and… 5 kids – WOW! 🙂 Welcom do the community!
Pleased to meet you Susie. Great to have you at World Moms.