tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54598572011-10-04T13:59:39.146-05:001. A breach or rent; a breaking forth into a loud, shrill sound. 2. An harangue; a long tirade on any subject. 3. A record of her attempt to climb out of writer's blockDelia Christinanoreply@blogger.comBlogger16851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-52941660259842036862011-07-12T17:17:00.000-05:002011-07-12T17:17:37.199-05:00

Here we are. Old friends since the craziness of Bush 2. And now I think I might need to take a break. Oh, not permanently, but a bit of one. Screed will not die, but it's not going to be the main place for me to be online anymore. If you want the short and shallow me, find me on Twitter @DeliaChristina or @DeliaC. If you want something more than shallow but less than long-form, and more

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-27965337257248421392011-06-06T18:43:00.000-05:002011-06-06T18:43:49.226-05:00

Weiner Says He Sent Photos and Lied, But Won't Resign - NYTimes.comI swear to god, I don't understand men - especially men in elected office.There are some other things I don't understand:The massive ego that short circuits a man's Good Decision-Making Brain Center makes me wonder what other good decisions are being blocked.The over-weening pride in one's phallus that makes a man think that all

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-10908982540715251922011-04-22T16:16:00.000-05:002011-04-22T16:16:17.301-05:00

When I was a kid, Easter was the holiday you had to work for. The hunt for the perfect Easter dress would heat up a few weeks in advance of Easter Sunday. This was a process that would almost always end in tears as mom would make her choice, I or my sister would pout, and so on, until a dress was chosen in exasperation that made none of us happy. (This was later rectified when Mom decided to sew

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-41508069408681154872011-04-18T16:55:00.001-05:002011-04-18T16:55:40.736-05:00

Know what cures work rage? Frolics, barbecue and lots of sleep.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-18105535963137311762011-04-12T17:48:00.000-05:002011-04-12T17:48:25.303-05:00

I won't go into the minute details of my work rage right now. But I'll just give some sage advice to budding sr. managers out there: * If you have never put together an effective presentation, don't question how many hours go into creating one. * And if all you have to do is open your mouth and speak the words that other people write, do NOT expect an open attitude about your revisions. You

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-19539013374752470052011-04-08T16:46:00.000-05:002011-04-08T16:46:10.220-05:00

Apoplectic about Abortion: One Woman’s Emotional Roller Coaster | Sexuality/Gender | Religion Dispatches:"I know my rage is hurting me as much as it is hurting my opponents. Can I try to understand what the sex police want? Do they want to justify their bathroom behavior? Do they want their mothers to “find something?” Are they themselves capable of the abstinence that they are forcing on women?

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-68728542972768742642011-04-07T17:41:00.001-05:002011-04-07T17:51:23.856-05:00

ThinkProgress » Idaho Rejects Rape Exception In Abortion Bill Because ‘The Hand Of The Almighty’ Was At Work: The disgusting number of women-hating pieces of legislation being pushed through various state legislatures is astounding. But I think the Idaho bill is particularly galling: even if you were the victim of sexual assault or family sexual abuse you would be forced to keep the pregnancy.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-13775900153802291662011-04-05T15:25:00.000-05:002011-04-05T15:25:35.282-05:00

I have gained a pound for every month of relationship happiness over the past 18 months. Apparently, I'm so happy my ass is busting my pants! I discovered this yesterday during my annual visit to my OB/Gyn. The nurse kept nudging the scale weight farther and farther to the right until it rested on 243. I knew those jeans were a little tighter. So that means tomorrow I'm dragging my 243

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-49906158394967875062011-03-29T17:39:00.000-05:002011-03-29T17:39:45.684-05:00

NYT: Texas Rape Inquiry Shows a 3-Month ordealI post stories like this on my Facebook a lot. I'm sure I make my friends sick with all the stories about rape, anti-choice politics, and violence against women. But it's so easy for us to ignore how our society hates women in so many ways. So I use my account as a kind of library of sins against us.(But it's not all heavy depressing things like this

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-69397046904059295702011-03-28T20:11:00.000-05:002011-03-28T20:11:39.276-05:00

Scene: Reproductive justice organization board meeting CEO: Ok, new board members. I have two candidates and we need someone to interview them. One is Blah-Blah and the other is Professor Bleep Bleep. DeliaChristina: Huh. Professor Bleep Bleep. Why is that name familiar...? (blah blah interview schedule conversation continues) DeliaChristina: Wait. What's her name again? The professor? CEO:

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-7424373229732609962011-03-28T15:28:00.000-05:002011-03-28T15:28:34.354-05:00

The Kill Team | Rolling Stone Politics:What you'll see when you click on that link will either make you angry, sad or (if you're someone who's missing a critical puzzle piece shaped like Human Decency) fill you with a sense of satiation. An eye for an eye, and all that.But years from now, perhaps many years, when someone has to write about the United States and how we went from being a shining

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-53671662458826670882011-03-26T20:58:00.000-05:002011-03-26T20:58:18.369-05:00

Dangerous Minds | Amen to that: Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus: Jesus was very clear that the pursuit of wealth was inimical to the Kingdom of God, that the rich are to be condemned, and that to be a follower of Him means to give one’s money to the poor. And yet Evangelicals are the most supportive of corporate greed and capitalistic excess, and they are the most opposed to institutional help

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-85758541526003377702011-03-25T16:32:00.000-05:002011-03-25T16:32:18.689-05:00

G.E. So Good At Evading Corporate Taxes That IRS Owes G.E. $3.2 Billion:the New York Times showed an incredibly rare bit of spine today by publishing a dull numbers story that is possibly the most enraging thing you’ll ever read: The company reported worldwide profits of $14.2 billion, and said $5.1 billion of the total came from its operations in the United States. Its American tax bill? None.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-90454240714835895182011-03-25T15:44:00.000-05:002011-03-25T15:44:06.201-05:00

Wonk Room » Pawlenty: U.S. Should Not Be Governed By Religious Law — Unless It’s Christianity: "During a recent address to the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, Pawlenty proclaimed, “The Constitution was designed to protect people of faith from government, not to protect government from people of faith.” He added, “we need to be a country that turns toward God, not a country that turns away

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-20919867763025374912011-03-19T13:59:00.000-05:002011-03-19T13:59:22.957-05:00

M- : i had a dream that i was waiting for you somewhere with some of your friends - i had never met before - and they were giving me a political ideology test. DeliaChristina: oh, no! i'm sorry your subconscious is making my friends quiz you. M- : no, it was ok. one of the friends was a guy, and he was on my side. Ouch. Sigh. M-: i had another dream that i sent snoop dogg back in time to the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-57583095105102673332011-03-14T18:47:00.000-05:002011-03-14T18:47:04.818-05:00

"It's you and me, or it's nothing." M- said this to me the other night and it's not as scary and stalkerish as it sounds. I forget the context for the conversation, but suddenly we were talking about What If we hadn't met. Maybe the conversation was prompted by my long trip in DC and the distance between us. He said, 'Meeting you was..my chance. Before meeting you, I was fine with the idea of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-48488557148027182142011-03-08T14:19:00.000-06:002011-03-08T14:19:11.856-06:00

I have so many pet peeves about trips like this I can't even go into it. But mainly it's one thing: learn how to use technology! All these folks with their smartphones and not one way to use them smartly to navigate the city (i.e., search the metra system, map a route from airport to hotel, look up congressmen, etc.) This is the first moment I've had to get my thoughts together. The rest of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-33660697453388155642011-03-07T22:06:00.000-06:002011-03-07T22:06:34.648-06:00

It has been an age, hasn't it? Tonight, I'm in Washington, DC for a business trip. I'm trying to cram information about the foundation excise tax into my brain but I really want some sleep. I think I may cram before coffee tomorrow. It's lovely here - the weather is soft - and I'm sure this trip will be moderately successful (having already addressed one snafu) but I really think Lobby Days

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-88231419965819921662011-02-17T09:20:00.001-06:002011-02-17T09:25:26.525-06:00

House Republican Spending Cuts Devastating To Women, Families and the Economy | National Women's Law Center Take a close look at some key words from critical reductions proposed by the GOP-led House: contraception healthcare family planning nutrition for pregnant women/children prenatal care Headstart childcare education college job training social security/elderly women meals housing cancer

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-58165821199573379842011-02-15T23:57:00.000-06:002011-02-15T23:57:53.018-06:00

My sister's long ordeal is almost over. Her judgment went her way and it seems she will enjoy full joint custody of her children. Yes, despite MABIL's efforts to reshape the world to fit his 18th century Mexico worldview, it seems the rest of the world has moved on. But she still needs to rebuild her relationship with her kids (to undo all that has been done - and said, and reassert her maternal

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-44282638812646490022011-02-15T09:12:00.000-06:002011-02-15T09:12:52.070-06:00

Funny how real life intrudes on what used to be soo important a few years ago. When I first started this blog I was filled with so much outrage, this was the only place I could let it out without breaking down. 9/11, and my mom's passing, made me feel impotent. This blog was something I could control - and something I could share. I'm happy that this space has been one where I can be smart (

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-256188421875895392011-02-02T13:28:00.000-06:002011-02-02T13:28:22.093-06:00

This is my neighborhood. Yesterday, I scoffed at how bad the weather was but after LSD shut down and all those folks were trapped, and watching how the wind had blown snow to basically block off my street, I take it all back. Blizzaster 2011 is no joke. However, just one block away, the street is clear, businesses are open and people are going about their way. So my snowbound world is very small

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-19026062386343691692011-01-31T17:06:00.001-06:002011-01-31T17:09:35.241-06:00

With a crappy piece of legislation like this - where the hate and cruelty are almost too much to bear - it helps to have a script when you're calling. Luckily, Sady Doyle provides one: Sady Doyle - Script for Calling the Democrats Who Support HR3 I think it's still a little too long (staffers appreciate brevity) so I would cut it a little shorter, after you ask for the staffer who handles

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-13671182943996690242011-01-31T13:15:00.000-06:002011-01-31T13:15:54.209-06:00

Carol Moseley Braun Says Opponent Was 'On Crack' While She Was Starting A Business (VIDEO):There are some things one shouldn't do, while running for office: - be exposed as a girlfriend beating nutjob (hello, Scott Cohen) - carry on with your filmmaker girlfriend while your wife battles cancer then pass off your love child as your campaign manager's (hello, John Edwards) - throw your opponent's

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-20632351692837247572011-01-30T12:39:00.000-06:002011-01-30T12:39:19.466-06:00

The New Abortion Wars - A Highly Intrusive Federal Bill - NYTimes.comThe above link is to a very thorough round up of the scope of HR 3, a remarkably intrusive, burdensome piece of anti-woman and anti-choice legislation from the GOP (and a short but significant list of Dems.)I find it very interesting that with unemployment still high and economic stability still tenuous, as well as several

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-26912595145267650062011-01-06T12:03:00.000-06:002011-01-06T12:03:15.817-06:00

Via Capitol Fax.com » Can’t anybody play this game? (on Carol's befuddling mayoral strategery):"For reasons unknown to mere mortals, Carol Moseley Braun extended the media coverage of her initial refusal to release her tax returns by dribbling out a bit more information yesterday. And she actually plans to keep the story alive by releasing more information sometime today… Carol Moseley Braun

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-39599741706664403962011-01-05T11:34:00.000-06:002011-01-05T11:34:51.333-06:00

How to bounce back | Penelope Trunk's Brazen CareeristIn all my years of blogging, even at Bitch Ph.D., there may have been a few moments where my sharing approached a certain line. I've written about getting my period, mom's death, weight (even giving my actual weight!), race, sex, boys, my new relationship, hooking up and God, but I've really tried to maintain some distance between a public and

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-19733600041072236202011-01-04T17:48:00.001-06:002011-01-04T17:51:22.491-06:00

Just because I have brown skin (and breasts) does not mean I'm voting for Carol Moseley Braun for Mayor. I think I'm even supposed to be one of her target demographic: woman of color, professional, educated, tired of old boy politics, pro choice, progressive, feminist-y, and modern. But I'm not digging Carol's style right now. Her campaign style is definitely not...modern. It's a mish mash of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-38300033981407299532011-01-04T17:04:00.000-06:002011-01-04T17:04:13.562-06:00

i seriously pulled this day out of my ass and made it gleam like a turd covered in gold.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-74553927870241308572011-01-03T13:49:00.000-06:002011-01-03T13:49:18.568-06:00

He didn't show at his and my sister's divorce hearing today. They waited THREE hours for his drag-ass to show up. So now she has to remain married to his janky ass another month and a half! I bet he's trying to find another lawyer to help him recoup from the mediator last month. Guess who I could kick in the balls right now?

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-35971326188534608852010-12-29T10:10:00.000-06:002010-12-29T10:10:00.794-06:00

So Obama called the Philadelphia Eagles owner to talk about two random things: greening the stadium and Michael Vick’s second chance. And, in the words of one blogger, all hell broke loose. This is what I think about second chances: we all deserve them. But he killed dogs! Henry Kissinger was instrumental in the death of thousands of southeast Asians, and yet, he is considered an elder

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-61432992033463988962010-12-27T11:20:00.000-06:002010-12-27T11:20:35.972-06:00

I did better, this time.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-10249765733037944252010-12-20T09:22:00.000-06:002010-12-20T09:22:06.061-06:00

I just stepped on my own post, but I just saw this poem here and had to reprint it because it cuts to the very heart of why women are upset with Michael Moore and Keith Olbermann right now:  Rape Poem by Marge Piercy There is no difference between being raped And being pushed down a flight of cement steps Except that the wounds also bleed inside. There is no difference between being raped And

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-63515852844562435302010-12-20T09:11:00.000-06:002010-12-20T09:11:59.924-06:00

On Saturday, I stood on the corner of Cumberland and Lawrence, the freezing wind tearing through my leggings, making my thighs numb. Norridge, I thought. Frak you, Norridge! I had arranged to meet M- at the comic book store he works at on the weekends for their holiday party and, apparently, I had not paid much attention to him the night before when he gave me directions. Norridge is ugly. It

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-31131150109318713352010-12-15T20:03:00.000-06:002010-12-15T20:03:01.731-06:00

I swear the holiday season is another war on women's self esteem. I'm 10 days out from christmas and haven't done ANY of my shopping yet. For anyone. Not sis, dad, boyfriend, best friend or bitchy niece and nephew. And don't even ask if I've gone to church for any advent services. Guh. I'm a bad person AND a bad church lady. I need a break from Christmas, please.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-40896090002174045932010-12-14T23:01:00.001-06:002010-12-14T23:08:29.852-06:00

My sister's mediation is tomorrow and I called her tonight to see how she was doing. I'm so proud of my little sister. She finally called the lawyer my friend found for her and had a good consultation - but realized that she needed to be more proactive with her own case. (Note to little sisters everywhere: Big sisters know what we're talking about!) I also find myself giving her advice from my

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-83548977575692689902010-12-08T08:59:00.000-06:002010-12-08T08:59:32.319-06:00

So Rahm Emanual balked at the idea of sending his kids to Chicago Public Schools -- and, predictably, his opponents pounced and the media, magpies that they are, went after the bright shiny thing of the moment.Have you seen the stats on Chicago Public Schools? (This is an explanation of their methodology, of sorts.)How many of these schools are on probation?There is the rare school that is

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-62243389164603170672010-12-07T10:09:00.001-06:002010-12-07T10:18:17.293-06:00

Yesterday, we sang in the office. I hate singing in the office. Then my boss asked me to go with her to a meeting with a GOP legislative leader - with my 'fro all poofed out and crazy looking, in leggings, boots and a big wooly peacoat, I looked like a crazy homeless woman sneaking into the Thompson Center. And I discover certain black legislators are giving my org shade because they see

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-77788041398889816092010-11-29T17:46:00.000-06:002010-11-29T17:46:51.438-06:00

Is she really going out with him? - Curtis Sittenfeld - Salon.com:Back in 2004, when this Salon piece first came out, I and my friends thought it was hilariously true. We read it, commented on it and bemoaned being saddled with a fabulous girlfriend (or gay friend) who was wearing a dud boyfriend around his or her neck. I remember coolly assessing various couples I knew and dismissing them with

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-25920913774252038412010-11-28T02:20:00.001-06:002010-11-28T02:24:30.329-06:00

I have to give a huge thumbs up for non traditional family holidays. No long hours cooking, overly crowded house, a formal dining table, a wrecked kitchen or screaming children. The holiday I spent in Los Angeles was a lovely combination of brunches, lunches, pedicures, dim sum, cocktails and visits. Of course it was painful hearing my sister call her soon to be ex-husband to tell her children

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-53726582131232428902010-11-24T08:38:00.000-06:002010-11-24T08:38:15.988-06:00

It takes three days to thaw a frozen turkey properly. What a colossal misuse of time. So I'm at the office instead of thawing a turkey, and girding my loins for the ordeal at O'Hare. I have this fantasy of grabbing a TSA officer's naughty bits in response to the overly-thorough pat down, but I suspect they'll interpret that as assault. I have no desire to be in airport jail. So I'll cave to

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-12171988329194852482010-11-22T10:00:00.000-06:002010-11-22T10:00:39.322-06:00

This weekend, M- brought tears to my eyes. In a good way! We were having pints with some friends after dinner and catching a few minutes alone (if you can be alone in the middle of a crowded bar.) Over dinner I had told one of M-'s coupled friends that he and I were thinking about their neighborhood for a house rental. The guy gave me a look and said, "Yeah, I think our neighborhood is a good

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-50344844201397264732010-11-19T16:47:00.000-06:002010-11-19T16:47:11.733-06:00

When it comes to things between me and M- I would say that those things are going pretty well. Right now, we're juggling my increased work schedule (I now have business meetings, dinners and trips!) and I'm struggling just to wash the dishes in my sink. I wouldn't say things are totally ok, though.  Conversations about moving in together have stepped up and are triggering GirlFriend Separation

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-52554649686740787542010-11-11T14:59:00.000-06:002010-11-11T14:59:39.356-06:00

There is so much on my plate right now, I feel it should be Thanksgiving already. So I am taking this opportunity right now to say that the month of December will be the month I say NO to EVERYONE. Really. I can't take anymore obligations right now. NO. Not another meeting, lunch, event, whatever. In December, I want to crawl into a dark hole, watch movies, have sex and drink a lot of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-67021631347857950982010-11-06T14:09:00.000-05:002010-11-06T14:09:02.751-05:00

My father is observing the same things in my sister's situation but he's looking at them in a very different way. I look at MABIL's actions and see the desperation of a man fighting to keep what he's already lost; I see him flailing, desperately trying to hold onto the illusion of his masculine control and patriarchal authority. My father, on the other hand, buys into the fear MABIL tries to

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-31678142342250459022010-11-04T19:21:00.000-05:002010-11-04T19:21:35.892-05:00

In the vivid fantasy in my brain, I am dressed in a well-fitted black suit with marvelous shoes and my asshat brother in law is being ripped apart in family court by my keen legal mind as my sister looks on, joint custody about to be given. As I lead him down a path that will expose him for the evil homophobic asshat that he is, I am cool, unrelenting and when I'm finished, not only does my

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-44549590593271616392010-10-24T21:03:00.000-05:002010-10-24T21:03:47.703-05:00

spending a rainy sunday night making a bolognese sauce (from scratch and from memory), finishing up a powerpoint for work and drinking a glass of italian white wine. the only thing missing is my guy which is a very bizarre thing to think about right now, considering we spent all weekend together at weddings and usually sunday nights find me making some mental room for my self. so, that's really

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-38601713992308588972010-10-19T15:31:00.000-05:002010-10-19T15:31:58.752-05:00

Believe it or not, I have another wedding on Friday! What is going on??

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-3841990219322966972010-10-17T20:01:00.000-05:002010-10-17T20:01:25.065-05:00

I'm home. We're home. And we're tired. Weddings are exhausting, you know?

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-59966732229867413172010-10-16T10:04:00.000-05:002010-10-16T10:04:01.324-05:00

I may have been harsher than I needed to be with M-. On the road yesterday, our crankiness got to such a level we inadvertently caused a beef with a waiter in a bad Mexican restaurant and went to bed huffy and tired. When we slow down to talk, and listen, we can have complementary strengths. I pay attention to certain details and he to others. I could not have the patience for DJing a wedding

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-16767043651606330392010-10-15T11:08:00.001-05:002010-10-15T11:12:02.192-05:00

Yesterday, I sent a message to my office: 'Delia will be on the road tomorrow to Iowa for a barn wedding. See you all on Monday!' In other offices, my message would get some kind of snarky response: 'say hi to the corn for me!' or something like that. This new office? Suddenly it's all 'Ooh! How fabulous! Bring back pics from the sustainable farm tour!' So that's different. ... When I think

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-78520761926108567142010-10-12T23:07:00.000-05:002010-10-12T23:07:33.789-05:00

Monday was National Coming Out Day and I missed it here. But I didn't want to miss this chance to recognize some of the people who have gently, and not so gently, schooled me about my straight privilege and shown me how to be a better straight friend. George - I have no idea where you are now, but introducing you to my family was a first for me and you were gracious, graceful and kind in the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-84693454362834057942010-10-08T09:40:00.000-05:002010-10-08T09:40:46.910-05:00

[Note: These opinions are my own. I don't consult with others before having them and I don't ask permission before sharing them. This is my prerogative as the owner and writer of this space. Do I really need to say this?] If only more men read more feminist literature the vast unknown-ness of their wives would be laid bare and life would be less confusing. During the various ups and downs of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-80431518108946568612010-10-03T22:41:00.000-05:002010-10-03T22:41:43.404-05:00

I look at Eddie Long and I worry about my father. Greased, slick, and bloated with cash and power, Long is a cautionary tale. No, he’s more like a boogie man. He is what happens when the real essence of a person is pushed so far down, it bursts out in the most predatory, or harmful, of ways. Over the summer, Mike and I visited my dad in Los Angeles. We shared a beer, pet the dog, talked about

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-49699556398482032922010-10-01T17:03:00.000-05:002010-10-01T17:03:25.595-05:00

I wonder if I will ever get to a place in my life where I can just relax and take a breath. For the most part, my life has been about getting somewhere. In grade school, it was about making it to junior high. In junior high, I had my first anxieties about getting into college (a situation that was thrown into doubt because I failed a math test.) And in high school, I worried about...everything.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-75745579019683210432010-09-13T08:40:00.000-05:002010-09-13T08:40:26.284-05:00

Satuday night, randomly, Moving In Together popped up again. I like having my own space and doing my own thing (and being in control of my own finances) so I don't take moving in together lightly. We were at a local bar with a friend when I very very casually mentioned it. 'But I'd need a few things first,' I said. 'I want to be in a safe neighborhood, I don't want to be sooo far from my

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-91431098182435612132010-09-07T11:28:00.000-05:002010-09-07T11:28:21.451-05:00

I'm moving on. Last week I resigned from my position with the Large Women's NonProfit to join the Large Statewide Philanthropic Organization. What am I feeling?  Relief.  Relief that I'm no longer behind the Illinois state budget 8-ball, working for a direct service organization.  I know my coworkers are looking for some signs of sadness but I can't help it if indecorous spurts of glee leak

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-29155969363233304652010-08-24T11:42:00.002-05:002010-08-24T11:42:37.989-05:00

Day 1 of vacay and I'm doing my favorite thing: hanging out in a cafe before a business lunch. Best thing? I still fit in my Italy bathing suit! Let's take that as an omen.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-56554105239854262412010-08-23T11:00:00.000-05:002010-08-23T11:00:22.113-05:00

"Dear God, We thank you for being kind to us./Help us to think of other people./We hope we will be kind to everyone/All through the years." - a prayer written in the Anshai Emeth Temple "Did pakistan help us after 911 or after the string of hurricanes that hit new orleans? NO you say. Then screw em. we have our own problems right here." - Facebook "O...... HELL NO....! How in the world can you

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-63689354272756888822010-08-13T09:02:00.000-05:002010-08-13T09:02:26.973-05:00

Have you wanted something so badly, you're almost afraid to get it? That's how I feel about this new opportunity. I made it through the interview, the strategic comms writing sample tests (which were harder than I thought, though very very useful), and now I've submitted my salary requirements (which could be a teensy bit higher), and am about to enter Round Two. I'm so close I can taste it. I

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-61086825376380381222010-08-10T19:51:00.000-05:002010-08-10T19:51:20.132-05:00

To say I have a lot riding on the success of tomorrow is an understatement. I have an afternoon presentation to a group of corporate giving types about the need for public engagement on our state budget issues (grant makers are notoriously hard to move into advocacy mode.) Then I have a, um, rather important meeting with an organization in the afternoon about their strategic direction and where

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-42885604709212458742010-08-04T17:34:00.000-05:002010-08-04T17:34:05.815-05:00

In my job, I hear this question a lot. 'Delia Christina, should we respond to this? Is this our issue?' Most of the time, an issue is 'ours.'  Whether the issue is about women, violence, assault, child care, or economic stability, it could definitely find itself in our sweet spot and we'll talk about it.  But what about Prop 8? What about the move to alter the 14th Amendment? Would these be

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-29492833918679487032010-08-02T13:50:00.000-05:002010-08-02T13:50:46.713-05:00

Even foundations. I am a hard core evangelist about organizations developing a public strategy. I believe it works, I think it brings value and I know it can transform a sluggish organization into one that breaks barriers and moves quickly, fluidly and proactively. The key word is 'strategy.'  Strategy isn't passive or accidental. It requires purposeful, directed thought and planning.  If an

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-40241171447027231502010-08-02T10:54:00.000-05:002010-08-02T10:54:19.554-05:00

I have begun a very quiet job search. (Though, how quiet is it when I'm talking about it on my blog?) This is the first time I've begun a search while in a current position and it feels different; rather than feel relaxed and carefree, there is an urgency that didn't exist before. Before, my job search had always been precipitated by a monstrous external event like a lay off; back then, I'd

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-18294646350615365902010-07-29T09:11:00.000-05:002010-07-29T09:11:33.693-05:00

What's Hard to Look At - TIMEThe TIME cover features a young woman who had her ears and nose cut off by the Taliban for escaping an abusive husband. She is the reason, TIME says, we are fighting in Afghanistan and the reason why we must continue to do so. Maybe, maybe not. There is no doubt that Afghani women and girls are under enormous threat by a horrific, patriarchal and oppressive society.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-88934807450676632722010-07-27T09:47:00.002-05:002010-07-27T09:50:10.899-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, M- and I had just escaped a horrendous hippie party and were in the mood for acoustic guitar-free pitchers of beer at one of my favorite dives in Old Town.  I hadn't had a loong night like that in ages; it felt really good to become one of an anonymous crowd.  But there was a brief exchange that stuck in my head. We found ourselves sharing stories about When We Were

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-25494894141964390022010-07-23T09:36:00.000-05:002010-07-23T09:36:00.539-05:00

This needs to be quoted in full: Shirley Sherrod’s victory: A teachable moment on talking race Race-TalkBut for now, I'll just leave you with this:I watched David Gergen, whom I admire, talk yesterday about Ms. Sherrod’s “ascendant quality,” about her ability to rise above the legitimate racial pains of her past to help this white farmer. And then ironically my morning meditation was on Ephesians

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-10870141808804454542010-07-23T09:24:00.002-05:002010-07-23T09:24:32.777-05:00

Hey. How about that instant design update? Huh?

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-1910983462892706862010-07-23T09:10:00.000-05:002010-07-23T09:10:49.657-05:00

Clearly, my summer posting has been light. Not that there hasn't been stuff to talk about (say, oh, the Shirley Sherrod 'accidental' firing) but I've been swamped. M-, work, life, finances, and then all of the summer lazing around - I've had other things on my plate. But here's a list of things I wish I could write about if I had the time: More about this 'rip off the mask' stage of the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-23463514747065407322010-07-05T10:20:00.000-05:002010-07-05T10:20:05.592-05:00

1. It means 2 short work weeks and everyone is firmly in 'vacation' mode. 2. It's an excuse to drink excessively, eat to oblivion and pass out on a blanket - just like when you were 9 years old. 3. Everyone has left town and you can finally get a seat on the bus. 4. You immediately remember which of your friends have rooftop decks. 5. Everyone loves illegal fireworks! 6. You can finally eat ALL

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-26674623968522534142010-06-30T18:58:00.002-05:002010-06-30T19:08:08.897-05:00

Lately, I’ve been fielding calls from recent college grads (or their family friends) for informational interviews and I don’t quite know how to feel about it. Ambivalent about my own professional standing and trajectory, I don’t quite know what insights I’m supposed to give these young people. Sure, I have a solid list of contacts (not as fabulous as some, but it’s still a good one); but

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-52270544207432640852010-06-30T15:53:00.000-05:002010-06-30T15:53:06.096-05:00

So my org was just featured in an article about succession planning and how the org empowers female leadership. Great! Yay!But then, in a meeting yesterday, it was said that we have a policy of 'not providing food for staff.'Irony, much?

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-67928449660313945052010-06-22T14:14:00.002-05:002010-06-22T14:16:42.682-05:00

Dear Jesus, Thank you for arranging things so that my field of work doesn't put me in direct contact with entitled, rich, white women anymore. They are crazy. Yours, Delia Christina A friend at work is dealing with a very rich, very entitled white woman who answers every email but my friend's, makes threats about my friend's work and has tried at least once to make my friend look bad to her

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-15585743757252341182010-06-15T17:35:00.000-05:002010-06-15T17:35:43.397-05:00

Not much. In a funny twist of workplace irony, I was named a high performing ROCK star (don't ask me why it was capitalized thusly) on my team, which entails one personal day off. When Boss Lady told me I asked her if they were supposed to pick the team member who was closest to a nervous breakdown. She laughed. But really. I wondered. ... If you follow my twitter you might have seen the photo of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-48084583697233647772010-06-09T11:44:00.001-05:002010-06-09T11:48:38.447-05:00

I am not a radical. As a bourgie brown woman, I acknowledge what little privilege I have and wish everyone had the advantages I've had. However, just because I'm a bourgie black woman does NOT mean that I don't give a shit about making a difference in women's lives.  I'm in one of our chief executive's office this morning and throwing an idea out there that our legislative agenda next session

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-52186366520834083182010-06-05T07:51:00.000-05:002010-06-05T07:51:27.667-05:00

So I'm getting ready to go to a wedding in Kenilworth (one of Chicago's closest 'sundown' towns, incidentally) when I read this article in my FB feed: Arizona public school is being forced to change little black and brown kids in a mural white because some assholes are offended by the mere visual reminder that not everyone is white. So far reaction has been "Wow, those Arizonans are freaking

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-40584344201310950252010-06-01T18:31:00.000-05:002010-06-01T18:31:48.250-05:00

Talking with my dad allows me to say some things kids and parents normally don't have a chance to say to one another unless one of them is on a deathbed.  So today, I told him how his and mom's messages about our bodies basically created some of the issues my sister and I have with intimacy.  And his brain exploded. "What did you expect, Dad?" I said. "We grew up in a religiously strict Baptist

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-10274497865180562972010-05-20T16:37:00.000-05:002010-05-20T16:37:45.973-05:00

and you know what else is hard? being a dude. i'm beginning to see that. this whole manhood business is a trip and a burden. (i know! i know! but better late than never.)

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-51537388154131702992010-05-20T16:29:00.000-05:002010-05-20T16:29:01.654-05:00

For some reason, I haven't been able to sleep for the last few days.  Last night, after a nice date night with M-, the inconsiderate DamnKids next door kept me awake from 2.30 am to 3.30. Even after I called the cops on them, I tossed and turned, trying every trick I knew to lull myself into sleep. Some of it was work stuff, I know.  Projects are starting to build up and while I may not be

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-9741178578065189632010-05-17T19:34:00.002-05:002010-05-17T19:48:55.762-05:00

"the police threw a “flash bang” through the front window. it blinded everyone inside; it lit aiyana on fire. the news reported a tussle with the grandmother, during which the firearm discharged. everyone in the family says there was no tussle, that the grandmother was throwing herself over the baby when aiyana was shot in the head. what do you call the blinded, terrified groping of a

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-66290256271647365582010-05-14T16:32:00.000-05:002010-05-14T16:32:24.905-05:00

So my father calls me at work (as is his wont.) He tells me his plumber has written an interesting book...about penis size. 'Wait. Are you kidding? THAT'S his book?' I say. Yes, my dad says. That's the book. But when the plumber left an advance copy for my dad, he inscribed it with: "To the prettiest man I know - Plumber (smiley face)" 'I'm confused,' my dad says. 'What does this mean?'

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-42288420690787115072010-05-13T15:24:00.000-05:002010-05-13T15:24:18.071-05:00

Coming soon, my thoughts on being pro repro justice, being vetted for a board seat for a local abortion fund, how perceived allies react to women of color advocating for reproductive justice and how this intersects with my identity as a woman of color (of faith, even.) But for now, just read this: The Indypendent » Coloring the Abortion Debate

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-54458310208428751312010-05-11T11:50:00.002-05:002010-05-11T11:50:29.632-05:00

Um, yeah. Don't get in my shit today. Really. Don't.

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-55645371427727734202010-05-06T21:51:00.001-05:002010-05-06T21:55:27.068-05:00

It's not that much of a loss, really. I've always known that being a number 1 makes the goosebumps rise, and not in that good way. This is not to say that I am crushed or abashed. It's a confirmation. And it's not to say that I am the one who follows.  The pleasant surprise in this whole day was that it confirmed that I am...uncomfortably neutral about control. The day started with our policy

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-90104274896510037352010-05-05T21:46:00.000-05:002010-05-05T21:46:32.659-05:00

So I'm at the Mt. Washington Conf Center in Baltimore, on the Johns Hopkins campus.  We are enjoying wonderful weather - warm, dry, with a hint of rain that's coming on Friday.  Rolling hills and bright green woodland surround the center.  High on a hill, we are comfortably isolated from the bustle of Baltimore. Since I've arrived, and since so much of this week will be about leadership, I've

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-51654245149123786912010-04-29T13:05:00.002-05:002010-04-29T13:25:09.635-05:00

From Exposing the Christian Right's New Racial Playbook News & Politics AlterNet: At the Freedom Federation meeting, Rodriguez's rhetoric epitomized how the religious right is reframing its core issues to build a new army for "spiritual warfare" on sexual impurity and its consequences. Appearing on a panel moderated by Richard Land, who for decades has been the public and political face of the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-77117301731629119182010-04-27T09:31:00.000-05:002010-04-27T09:31:44.356-05:00

So I'm on the bus this morning, basking in the glow that today is my and M-'s 1 yr anniversary, and amazed that I'm still in love (though not irrationally so.)  I'm emailing a friend for drinks tomorrow night when I hear what is either a really phlegmy cough or...someone is vomiting. This goes on for several stops. When we pull away from the curb I look down and see a tell-tale stream of

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-52841632607753526572010-04-22T15:30:00.000-05:002010-04-22T15:30:39.487-05:00

Thanks so much for reader Pamela, who gave me a heads up about this: SmallChangeFund.org My Earth Day Wish? For Stories to Flourish! It's great to see all the thinking prompted by Chimamanda Adichie's presentation. My exRoomie also loved Adichie's story and we were talking last night about how it started her thinking about the complexities of our stories and how this should build empathy and

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-23962381932669973412010-04-19T12:18:00.001-05:002010-04-19T13:32:56.619-05:00

This is so perfect, I don't want to ruin it with my prattling: People of colour are not a story of suffering . . . Or resistance. « Restructure! We should be familiar with the 'single story' told by our most familiar -isms: racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, cisism, etc. But: What is the 'single story' that feminism tells? What is the 'single story' of our national identity? What is the '

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-4755525866629151182010-04-16T15:48:00.000-05:002010-04-16T15:48:58.686-05:00

I have thoughts on work, feminist generational wars (at work), relationships, friendships and all sorts of other things, but I'm so busy I can't write it all down. And if I did, it would be the longest, shambliest post ever. So, all 16 of my readers, sorry my content has been scarce. Life, you know?

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-87692807268190014672010-04-14T17:17:00.001-05:002010-04-14T17:41:27.878-05:00

This is the story of fatal domestic violence: Frantic call after 4 found dead: 'He killed everyone' - Chicago Breaking News. Though the suspect in this story had a record based in Wisconsin his story is not necessarily unique to it. This story is also one of our state's weakening social safety net. In March, a FY11 Department of Human Services budget briefing laid out these stark realities:

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-35612246454854954062010-04-08T09:56:00.001-05:002010-04-08T10:12:36.113-05:00

Eric Zorn: Hateful parents, teens conspire to throw fake prom for learning disabled students and a lesbian couple I had a few assumptions already in my mind about this small community and this latest story just confirmed them. Assumption: this town is all about conformity and tightly regulated social order. Assumption: this town is not...open to outsiders. Assumption: this town has the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-23376264831798647982010-04-08T09:19:00.000-05:002010-04-08T09:19:18.681-05:00

Remember when I'd post almost weekly about the weddings column in the Times?Funny how I don't do that anymore.Vivienne La Borde, Kaddu Luyombya - NYTimes.com

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-7906502599668652462010-04-02T16:58:00.000-05:002010-04-02T16:58:08.286-05:00

First, the links: Jill Scott says something. And Ta-Nehisi Coates says this. Then Racialicious said some other things. And then Coates had a PS. And then we wrap up the week with Kevin Powell writing all us black folk a letter. And now, the stories (which aren't prescriptive, merely illustrative): When my friend Prof. L- sent me the Coates link I wrote him back. 'When ppl open their mouths and

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-1822117912710322062010-03-29T23:19:00.000-05:002010-03-29T23:19:02.938-05:00

I spent the morning in bed with M- on Palm Sunday so I watched The Greatest Story Ever Told, instead; I had quite a good time being reminded of the simplicity of my faith: love your neighbor as yourself and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Simple. In the horrific ideology of the Hutaree (and militias like them) where is Love Your Neighbor? Where is Do Unto Others? If this is the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-44931827866995520892010-03-29T09:07:00.001-05:002010-03-29T09:07:59.507-05:00

No one like Mondays. Especially when you come into the office and discover your laptop has been stolen. Along with 4 others. ... In other news, M- and I have taken another teeny step toward solidifying our relationship. I know it seems strange to mark progress like this but that's the Spock in me. I need to know that I'm achieving something or it's not worthwhile. A friend of mine and her

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-80660566754201382792010-03-26T14:58:00.001-05:002010-03-26T15:16:34.683-05:00

I may be one of those women so long decried in business magazines: the woman who silently seethes for lack of proper recognition. If I was a man, I doubt that ManChristina would be so...acquiescent about being the 'voice' for his boss.  I doubt ManChristina would be ok standing behind the curtain, writing the words that get other people kudos.  I also doubt ManChristina would be so slow trying

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-39214306926503551592010-03-23T16:10:00.000-05:002010-03-23T16:10:08.843-05:00

(Two weeks ago) M: So babe. We've been invited to a party in a couple of weeks on Sunday. You free? DC: On a Sunday? Always. M: Cool. We'll talk about it later. DC: Wonderful. (last Saturday night, pillow talk) M: Babe, don't forget we have that thing tomorrow. DC: Oh, right.  What is that again? M: It's my godson's birthday party.  We'll be in and out. DC: Wait. Children?!? (Sunday afternoon,

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-45093266911553441312010-03-16T09:02:00.000-05:002010-03-16T09:02:56.680-05:00

I have apologized to my coworkers for being such a flaming bitch during the entire month of February. I think my mood will be much better in March, especially once I refill my Ativan prescription.  The snow is gone, the sun is out, and I don't have to wear snow boots anymore; how interesting that my mood is directly related to how cute I am able to look.  For instance, today is all about the

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459857.post-85044649224908391522010-03-12T17:20:00.000-06:002010-03-12T17:20:30.582-06:00

How Your Race Affects The Messages You Get « OkTrendsInteresting:Black women write back the most. Whether it’s due to talkativeness, loneliness, or a sense of plain decency, black women are by far the most likely to respond to a first contact attempt. In many cases, their response rate is one and a half times the average, and, overall, black women reply about a quarter more often that other

Delia Christinanoreply@blogger.com0