Plain Housewifery

How does being a plain housewife sound? Ten years ago – five years even – these two words, plain housewife, were as scary as a horror movie to me. Just thinking of staying at home made me feel…trapped.

I have always been ambitious. I wanted to be a successful lawyer, be a prolific writer, a good swimmer and a well-known politician…all the works that spelled c-a-r-e-e-r! Today, I may not be a lawyer (I still plan to study law) and a politician (I dread the dirt that goes with it), but I would like to believe that I am a writer and a swimmer. Put me on an island with only my computer (and food and water, of course) and I’ll be one happy woman. For me, nothing beats words and the beach!

I grew up being surrounded by strong women. I perfectly know that my mother is a solid professional who, at some points, chose career advancement over us kids. Not that I begrudge her of that; my younger brother and I were, after all, raised by our ever-doting grandparents. I have female cousins who are architects, engineers, lawyers…even construction workers (hahaha…sorry, Cons, I couldn’t help that!).

When we were children, the delineation between male and female cousins was obscured by the fact that we all climbed trees, fished, swam and raced towards some prize together. Indeed, my family has been gender sensitive longer that I can remember. In fact, I was told that when I was a toddler, my father hoped that I would become an astrophysicist – whatever that means. Had he dreamed of me becoming a perfect wife to a future husband, I would have started to work on the art early on.

But no, my family encouraged me to enter the university, work for a degree and graduate. My father even begged that I go to law school but I had to put my foot down on this. No astrophysics or statutes for me, sir. I’d rather write like my Uncle Ross did when he was alive.

And then, by the whiff of a strange wind, I suddenly long to be what I have never dreamed of: a housewife – a stay-at-home, hands-on housewife. My cousin, Connie, would probably think I caught some dreaded disease when she hears this. If there’s somebody in the family who has never considered marriage in her life, it’s me. I have always longed for adventure, to be out in this world to be free….or so the song goes.

I, myself, couldn’t believe this. But heck, I really, really am sure I want to settle down now. Errr…settling down sounds ominous, doesn’t it? Really now, I want to get married, have a family and raise beautiful, intelligent and God-fearing children. How’s that for a miracle? Gosh, I may have probably matured by leaps and bounds in the last few months.

My, it’s scary.