He For She

I know that today is International Women's Day and I should praise the strong women in my life but I want to acknowledge my dad's attitude towards women, especially my mum, since he has been an equal partner to her for 27 years (29 if dating counts).

As far as I remember I have never heard him humiliate my mum in any way, not in public, nor in private. Of course they sometimes argue, but they never humiliate each other and that's what I love about them. 

Also, he is a great example to me and my brothers when it comes to the chores. You would never hear him say to my brothers something like: "don't do this, that's women's work, let your mum and sister do it". You would never hear him say this is women's work or that is men's work. If I want to chop the wood, he lets me. But also his actions speak louder than words. He is not the kind of man who comes home from work, sits around and does nothing. He does everything that needs to be done... from washing the dishes to minor plumbing. Sometimes to the level we wish he would just sit down and read a book or something. I am really glad that me and my brothers get to see this every day (well I don't get see this every days since I don't live with them anymore, but still...)

I guess I just wanted to say that I am thankful to my dad for having to grow up in a home where both men and women are equal and that he makes women in our family feel appreciated. 

Btw, my mum is an amazing, strong, independent woman!

Creative Writing

These past days I have been trying to use my time more productively and creatively. I have always been afraid of being creative, because I feel like I am not good enough. Before I started studying English literature at University I had always participated in the competitions that had to do with math, chemistry and sports. I have always been a bookworm but have never written anything.

Plus I've been organizing a Creative Writing Contest at our department so it got me thinking that I should try to write something. So last Monday when we had the students' session of creative writing I wrote something...

In the library

My favorite place to be. Surrounded by all the stories I have read and all those I am going to read. It give me hope. Hope that I can conquer all. Because when I am there, I am myself. I don't have to be the responsible eldest, a perfect Christian, or a smart student... I am me. Me, with the dreams, desires, full of hope.
The smell. I love this smell. The smell of the old books mixed with the new ones. Old ones representing everything that has happened, the new one everything that is awaiting me. Endless possibilities and opportunities. I feel like I can do whatever I want. But not only that. I can achieve all  of my goals.
Although I am young, my story is worth reading, hearing about. My life matters. Just like the lives of all the authors present in their writings. Because any book I pick to read next, I know that there is going to be something worth learning about. Even how not to write. Because every voice counts and matters. So does mine.