Welcome to the Beltway

Washingtonian.com’s new parenting blogger knows parenting is work—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun

I have two girls, ages two and five. After 13 years of public-affairs work in DC, with a brief break for graduate school in Chicago, I was lucky enough to have the choice to take my career in a different direction in the spring of 2009. I don’t know anyone with kids who doesn’t work long, difficult hours, even if he or she isn’t earning a salary, and I’m one of them. I freelance from home, I go to music classes, I co-op in my daughter’s preschool, and I write.

Along the way, I’ve learned that parenting in Washington is unique—grocery stores are overcrowded, preschools fill up quickly, and traffic is abysmal. But the zoo and museums are free, the area is diverse, and there are ample kid-related activities on any given day or weekend. After five years of blogging, I’m here to share my tales of parenting hurdles and to give you ideas on what to do over the weekend.

I believe the following things about being a parent: Mommy guilt is stupid, and you can just do your best. If you think it won’t happen to you, it will and probably worse than you think. My Past Self had very clear ideas of parenthood, and my Current Self is constantly disappointing my Past Self, which I’ve come to terms with. Two- and three-year-olds are our punishment for our past wrongs. Jennifer Garner and Gwen Stefani are my favorite celebrity moms. (Katie Holmes is my least favorite.) My favorite superhero is Hit-Girl. And there’s no such thing as balance—but sometimes adequate parenting is enough, and fun is mandatory.

We all have busy, hectic lives. If I go on a great outing, I’ll be sure to tell you about it, along with comments on the crowd, food, parking, and anything else that strikes me. If you hear about cool activities, store openings, or great new restaurants, or you spot a celebrity around town or have anything else to say, e-mail me at msakala@washingtonian.com. And please, comment away on the posts: I don’t only love dishing out my opinions—I want to hear yours, too.

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Category Tags: Parenting

Comments

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Posted by: cymngay, Jan 17, 2012 02:41:00 AM

Monica,
Great to meet you yesterday (Monday) at Sprinkles. Looking forward to reading !
Mrs. Quimby @ thriftstoremama.blogspot.com

Posted by: Thrift Store Mama, May 03, 2011 02:29:06 PM

I like your thinking and look forward to being a regular reader.

Posted by: BF, Feb 22, 2011 12:08:11 PM

Your blog is terrific! I agree with several other comments that I also would like to receive your blog by e-mail notification. I am sure there are MANY busy Moms out there who are pressed for time and would appreciate the instant access to your blog. Thanks!

Posted by: MJC, Feb 22, 2011 11:18:33 AM

Your blog is terrific! I agree with other commenters that I also would like your blog to appear in my e-mail. I’m sure there are MANY more busy Moms out there who would love to read your blog but who though tecchie are totaly timeless! Make it easy for us and let us access this great blog by e-mail notification!

Posted by: MJC, Feb 22, 2011 10:51:04 AM

finally! Count me in as a regular reader and thanks!

Posted by: Lauren, Feb 22, 2011 09:34:04 AM

Love this idea. Is there anyway to get email updates or not just subscribe through Google Reader (I use another RSS program for my RSS Feeds). Thank you.

Posted by: LG, Feb 22, 2011 08:59:43 AM

Is there a way to follow via e-mail notification when a new entry is posted?

Posted by: Joanna, Feb 22, 2011 08:53:40 AM

Congratulations..love the first posts!

Posted by: Asti, Feb 22, 2011 06:22:38 AM

Monica why is someone named Laura McKenzie and Melanie Bender taking created for your blog. I know that you are the author not these people. It appeared like this when I subscribe in gmail. This should be fixed immediately!!!!!

Posted by: Martha G, Feb 21, 2011 10:33:49 AM

Hi Monica! Loved it. Very impressed. Creative. You write like you talk. Good luck and congratulations!

Posted by: Aunt Elizabeth Schmitt, Feb 18, 2011 07:15:06 AM

Hey Monica, you don’t know me personally, but I work with your other half and reading your daily experiences has given more personal information than he would ever disclose... Congratulations on your blog!!!

Bryan C

Posted by: Bryan, Feb 17, 2011 12:24:57 PM

I can’t wait to read on and on....have so enjoyed your Wired Momma blog!! Thank you for giving us humor and courage in the face if parenting challenges!

Posted by: Lenore, Feb 17, 2011 09:36:42 AM

Congratulations! I can’t wait to see more on your Current Self since I am very familiar with your Past Self and your thoughts on parenting!!

Posted by: Martha G, Feb 17, 2011 09:17:33 AM

Count me in as a regular reader! I’ll share with my other fellow ’Babes!’

Posted by: Nancy, Feb 17, 2011 08:42:11 AM

Monica:
Congrats on your blog. Nice to see someone who is taking a practical approach to living and working in the Never-Never Land of Washington.

Looking forward to seeing more.

Jim D

Posted by: Jim D, Feb 17, 2011 06:43:43 AM

What’s the best way to be notified when a new entry is posted on your blog? Sounds great, and I’m looking forward to following it!

Posted by: Joanna, Feb 17, 2011 05:45:48 AM

You rock! Congratulations! Am excited to read the blog.

Posted by: Anne Noel, Feb 17, 2011 05:35:19 AM

I look forward to reading your column. I’ve enjoyed your witty and sometimes biting blog for years. I also enjoy being your occasional muse... You rock, Mon!!!

Posted by: Mel , Feb 16, 2011 07:24:06 PM

Thanks everyone! And Emily, I’m certain Meerkats will make their way into a post at some point given the unique and amusing way they seem to entertain my children.

Posted by: Monica, Feb 16, 2011 06:15:36 PM

Love your writing... and love Gwen, too! But who is Hit-girl? I must go google.

Posted by: Vanessa, Feb 16, 2011 05:36:07 PM

I would like to formally request an entry on the Benefits of Meerkats.

Posted by: Emily, Feb 16, 2011 03:41:05 PM

What a great blog for moms and I can’t wait for more posts!! I also adore Gwen!!

Posted by: Julie, Feb 16, 2011 02:51:45 PM

Awesome - Look forward to reading your blog!

Posted by: Laura, Feb 16, 2011 02:51:24 PM

Yay!!! I’m so glad I’m the first to comment here! I love it and you!! Congrats.

Posted by: Sara, Feb 16, 2011 02:26:13 PM