I read a lot, especially for school. I don’t even know if I’ve mentioned my plans for this semester yet, but in a nut shell, I’m using the DONA postpartum doula course book list as a springboard for some natural science credits. The semester revolves around postpartum women and their physiology, hormonal and psychological changes. I devoured my first two books in a day and a half. I may or may not be obsessed with vaginae, and I’m OK with that. Its just one more piece of the puzzle. I’m also studying memoirs, so there may be several trips down memory lane as the months progress.

So, in light of the reading that I am encountering, for school and just in my online travels, I wanted to try to keep up with what all I come across that is worth sharing.

Domestic Violence as a pre-existing condition – All I can say is, are they fucking insane? How much more do women, abused women at that, have to take? Its wrong, its cold, and its not only a woman’s issue, it really is a reason for the public option. There is only one way to break cycles of abuse, and that is to address them head on, not continue the cycle by denying basic medical care. Assholes.

Woman: An Intimate Geography – I started reading this book last year because it was recommended on Feministing and I had about 3 hours of time not yet filled by other stuff. If you are even remotely interested in your female parts and love biology and/or physiology that doesn’t “talk down” to you, then read this book. You will be absolutely amazed at what you don’t know about your own body.

Vaginas: An Owner’s Manual – I couldn’t resist sneaking this book into my school book list. I am a fan of “real” voices when I read. Its why I like blogs, and I can appreciate the humor involved with the vagina and the sadness that I feel when women aren’t connected to their own parts. I think even in the book, it talks about how men are constantly holding their penises (to pee, or whatever) and aren’t uncomfortable with their bodies nearly as much as we are, since our organs are so tucked away and out of sight (dy-no-mite!). Great book, for the straight talk and the humorous interactions between the mom (OB/GYN) and her daughter (writer).

My Own Little LGBTQI2-S Solidarity Plea – I’ve said it before, the LGBTQ(etc) community is way to0 judgmental with each other. I suppose we should all be used to it, but for a group of people who are fighting for equal rights, you sure can be judgmental assholes. Just sayin’.

Ohio Supreme Court vs. Breastfeeding – So, she was fired for taking breaks related to breastfeeding. The company says that it wasn’t about the breastfeeding, it was about the unscheduled breaks. I don’t even know what to think.

Decent astrology site – I’m always on the lookout for good astrology. Susan Miller is one of my favorites, mostly because Q delivers her predictions to me every month, with highlighted portions so I can just skim the page as need be. Astrologically speaking, my “worst day of the year” was Thursday and I spent the day in love with my future, even if getting there may be hell.

The Breastfeeding Answer Book - (Its The Great Big Book of Breastfeeding with everything inside!) Packed full, and I mean FULL of everything you ever wanted or needed to know about breastfeeding. Written by LLL, of course. My only complaint was that they noted only two types of PPD – the kind where the mom is angry and the kind where the mom just ignores the baby. There is a third type, at least that I’ve observed, where the mom is just miserable but still cares for the baby. Just thought I would mention that. I’m not a therapist, but I play one on TV.

Improve Your Marriage (actual review to follow) – Interesting book, I must say.

Actively Listening to Your Child – Do you actually listen to your kid when they go on and on about Clone Wars and Zoos? I know that after a while, I tune out my boys, and its something I should work on. There’s only so much I can take, and I can admit it. Listen to your kids, because you’re teaching them to listen to you.

And a quick shout out to my Delaware friend who had a shitty week, yet she is still inspirational. This made me think of her. Don’t ask.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLm5oSJRxIU