Why are straight from the shetl baby names so hot?

Old Testament names have always been very popular: Joshua was number four in 2008, although in 1938, it ranked only 722. But I’m seeing a resurgence of Isaiahs (no. 42), Ezekiels, and Japhets. My own son’s name, Asa (633 in 2008) is the subject of much controversy among the older Jews in the family, who think he will be typecast (and/or beaten up on the playground. He might be). Asa was Al Jolson’s original name in the old country, before he became the all American “Al.” It is very old country, indeed. Does your child have an old country, Old Testament name? Let me know! I’m very curious about this trend.

Don’t call me a bitch: It was the first day of school today, and as I drove past the schoolyard watching nervous five year old hands clutch at their parents I had a strange feeling well up inside me: ambition. I felt the drive to provide. Rachel Simmons’ new book is “The Curse of the Good Girl.” In Newsweek article by Jessica Bennett, Simmons is quoted,

“women pressure themselves to fit the mold of modest, selfless, rule-following "good girl" for fear of being labeled a "bitch." But it's those bitchlike qualities that help us get ahead—which means we're left with imbalanced salaries, lower titles, and shorter professional trajectories. "In many ways the zeitgeist is that girls are excelling and boys are having trouble," says Simmons. "But it all depends on what you're measuring."

When I was in my twenties, I had two jobs where I actually ran the team but insisted I “shared” responsibility with a male colleague (both of whom I hired).  I try to look back on that person lovingly (even though I want to slap her, too). But since I became a mother, I feel a drive to get ahead stemming from a very female place. I don’t care if I’m a bitch as long as my family is taken care of. I hope good girl days are behind me now: I’d like to be a fierce woman. It will be a long haul, but I’m working on it.

Two major mommy milestones this week. I'm back in skinny jeans- sort of. They are tight and uncomfortable, but they zip! I have lost 60 lbs since giving birth in January! Even better, a hot young college student actually checked me out while I was jogging. Why am I writing about this? Because every woman who has emerged from a major (unwelcome) change in appearance knows how good it feels to regain your mojo. It bleeds into many other aspects of your life.

There was a sad baby milestone too this week: I put away the nursing pillow “My Brest Friend.” And indeed it was, through many late nights and long days. But the baby is too big to nurse with a pillow now, and too independent for a prop. Nursing is waning, slowly, and I will miss it dearly.

I have road rage daily when I pass drivers texting, checking email, or even talking on handhelds when driving. I’m stunned speechless from watching this PSA. I’m passing it along from Jenny Isenman: "Texting and Driving: A Deadly Combination -How a gruesome new PSA scared this mom straight."

Most importantly make sure you watch the PSA and pass it on to everyone you know.

I have almost been run over twice this year by texting drivers. When I drive around with the baby, I am very scared. I would say at least 40% of drivers in my area are on the phone while driving. Honestly, how important are we all?  So important on our phones that we risk killing others?

Recent studies show "that texting while driving may be as dangerous and lethal as drunken driving. Up to a quarter of the estimated 40,000 vehicle fatalities in the U.S. annually may be traced back to distracted drivers texting."

So I was thinking- what if there were a universal signal you could give texting drivers when you pass them (that is, if they see you)? Kind of like the finger, but with the meaning to make them aware and shame them?

What do you think?