Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I live in San Francisco, CA. Specifically, I live in The Presidio, a old military post that has been transformed into a state park. We live in newly renovated, former military housing. Living in the park gives us access to outdoor space, trees, wildlife (coyotes, raccoons, hawks, and more), all in the heart of a major city; it’s like living in the suburbs without the commute.
No, I am not from here. I am from Northeastern Pennsylvania. I went to high school with Tara B. All of my family still lives there or close by.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English only. I couldn’t even pretend to speak anything else.
When did you first become a mother?
Big girl was born in August 2007. Little girl came along in October 2009.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
Something in-between. I consider myself a stay-at-home mom. Currently, I am working 3 days a week as a contractor doing my pre-children job at a major retailer’s corporate office. I am helping out during a friends maternity leave. I have a brand new appreciation for working moms – I don’t know how they do it. But this is good for me, I needed a change after being home for almost 3 years.
Why do you blog/write?
Perspective. I like to give it and I like to get it. I often think that if I write a post about, say, the way things are here in San Francisco, CA – I look forward to learning how things are around the world. What I am learning is that, at the deepest level, we are all the same 🙂
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
That’s a tough question that is probably easier answered by someone other than myself. Off the top of my head, I think I am stricter than most moms. It is not something I am proud of, in fact it sometimes worries me. But I want my girls to mind me and others while knowing that I love them completely.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
We truly live in a global economy. What happens here in the USA affects others around the world. So teaching our children that there is a big, big, very different world outside of the one they grow up in is going to be a challenge.
How did you find World Moms Blog?
When Jen first came up with the idea of the blog, she reached out to me. I was flattered. And although I don’t chime in as often as I would like (that silly job of mine!), I am hoping to do so more often when my contract job is over and I am bored at home 🙂
What do you like most about World Moms Blog?
The same reason I write – perspective. It’s everything!
This is an original post from our Presidio-residing, World Mom, Angela Y.
The photograph used in this post is attributed to the author.
Welcome Angela.. so glad that you are here!
Angela,
I’m trying to imagine you being strict with your kids! I know you as a laid back, fun-loving gal.
I’m glad you like writing here and like the international perspectives! 🙂
Jen 🙂
Thanks Jen! It is the one and only place I write. I am so happy to be part of the international family.
Angela,
I am quite certain you and I would be BFF’s if we lived near each other. I have two girls and consider myself a strict mom, too. I want my children to respect others and am militant on my children recognizing adults when they see them by either saying “Hello, it is nice to see you.” and/or going up and shaking the adults hands.
Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you! We probably would 🙂 I, too, am militant about respect and doing what you are told. I have to bite my lip when I see other parents ask their children to do something (simple, like put your shoe on to leave) and they do the opposite. I know deep down that what we all want to raise like-able children who will do well in the world!
Yay Angela! I am excited to see your name in “print” 😉 I also think I am stricter than most moms I know, and part of that HAS to come from our NEPA Catholic upbringing. Hope to catch up with you in person sooner rather than later!
Maybe it IS the NEPA Catholic upbringing 🙂 We currently do not practice any religion – not married in the church, children not baptized. But something my husband teasingly blames the Catholic in my for my actions 🙂 How about we come and visit you when my contract job is over – my winter or spring? Or you can come here – it’s a short flight!
Yes yes yes! You are always welcome here , and I need to get down to San Fran. I use to come down at least 2x per year to visit my sister, but oh how I have slacked since have boy #2. But seeing you, meeting your girls and hubbie and seeing your cool pad would be great! As for the Catholicism, we don’t practice religion either, but my husband also went to Catholic school from K-12, so it must be part of our hard wiring.
Hi Angela 🙂
Sounds like a perfect place you live in to be in the suburb without the commute. Can’t wait to read more from you.
Hi Angela – I had no idea you were friends with Tara B! (Which reminds me I need to get in touch with her to try to coordinate a meet-up, which we’ve been trying to do for a while!)
And as for being strict, I’m right there with you. I feel I am stricter than other moms in my circle with my girls…for the same reasons you cite. That’s how I was brought up too.
Hi Angela! Welcome! We are neighbours 🙂 I live in San Jose 🙂 Great to have you here.
Hi Angela!
Lovely to hear more about you. I agree – I don’t know how working mothers manage the juggling act of parenting and work; I feel like I’ve done a day’s work by 9.00am!! (As I’m sure most of us do.)