ML Interest Tag: sisterhood

The First All-Female Spacewalk Won’t Be All-Female Anymore—But Here’s Why That’s Okay

by Shahrzad Warkentin

What would have been an historic moment for women with NASA’s first all-female spacewalk has turned into just another spacewalk—with both men and women involved—all thanks to a spacesuit that doesn’t fit. But it’s not all bad news, as you’ll see.

NASA has just announced the history-making all-female spacewalk originally scheduled to take place later this week has been canceled. Instead of astronauts Christina Koch and Anne McClain, the two-person team will now consist of Koch and male astronaut, Nick Hague. The reason for the last minute change? There is only one spacesuit aboard the International Space Station in a size medium. Yes, you read that right.

https://twitter.com/DaveMosher/status/1110293059131109378

Forget Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, in the saga of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Space Suit only one of the women can make the walk because there are no other spacesuits on board the International Space Station to fit them. No great change comes about without some growing pains and as more women head to space, clearly NASA needs to update its wardrobe to accommodate astronauts of all sizes.

While it seems like there’s nothing positive to this story, the truth is the call to nix the all-female spacewalk was ultimately up to the astronaut—and that’s a good thing. McClain decided she was not comfortable wearing the spacesuit for which she had initially been fitted—and there just wasn’t another suit available in the best size for her body. “

McClain learned during her first spacewalk that a medium-size hard upper torso—essentially the shirt of the spacesuit — fits her best. Because only one medium-size torso can be made ready by Friday, Mar. 29, Koch will wear it,” NASA said in a statement.

We have to remember: the mission to get more women into space and into roles that have been traditionally male-dominated isn’t necessarily a sprint, but more of a marathon. According to a recent report on diversity in space exploration, women made up only 8 percent of active astronauts in the 1970s. That number has increased steadily over the decades, with females now making up 32 percent of all astronauts in the world.

So yes, we will see that historic all-female spacewalk—just not this week. Hopefully as our kids grow up, all-women space teams won’t be big headlines either—because they’ll simply be the norm.

In the meantime, we applaud McClain for trusting her gut and refusing to do something that doesn’t feel right for her body and safety—and that’s a lesson all women and girls can take away.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: WikiImages via Pixabay

 

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You’ve Got This: How to Find Support Before, During & After Divorce

By Jacqueline Newman

Welcome to the DWC—a.k.a., the Divorced Women’s Club.

Ultimately, the Divorced Women’s Club is one no one ever wanted to join. However, it—is also true that while the price of membership is steep, great friendships can be made and support can be realized simply by acknowledging you have become a member. Therefore, start looking to others who wear the same metaphorical DWC “t-shirt” as you now do—and find the comfort you need through their companionship and camaraderie.

Form Friendships that Assist in Healing

While it can be incredibly helpful to be comforted by those who have experienced what you are going through and ultimately survived, there is also comfort to be had in serving as the experienced party and helping those who are just entering the circle.

A Reason for Everything

I believe people come in and out of your life for different reasons. I used to joke that I have some lifelong friends and I have some situational friends. Situational friends are what they sound like-people you become friends with because of a particular situation happening in your life.

So, in this new stage of your life, you may have divorced friends where the common thread is that you are divorced (or divorcing) and therefore are going through the same process. There is nothing wrong with having friends who move in and out of your life at certain times and serve certain purposes. Allow yourself to have the support system of other divorced women.

Seek out these people because divorce is a raw and personal experience. You will benefit from he support from these women who will be more understanding because they get it.

A True Sisterhood

Divorced women talk to other divorced women. This makes sense because you want to speak to people who have firsthand experience and knowledge of what you went through. Everyone will have different stories and varied experiences-some will love their divorce attorneys and others will hate theirs.

Their situations vary, but there is a common thread: they can help you.

Jacqueline Newman is a divorce lawyer and matrimonial law expert. As managing partner of a top-tier 5th Avenue Manhattan law firm focused exclusively on divorce, her practice runs the gamut from prenups for high net worth people contemplating marriage to high conflict matrimonial litigation in dissolutions. 

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No Place Like Home: 10 Reasons Atlanta Rocks

by Phebe Wahl

Sure, Snowmageddon shut downs and scorching summers can be sucky for Atlanta parents. But before we call the Whambulence, let’s remember why we love to call Hotlanta home. Read on for ten reasons we think bringing up babies in the big A is absolutely awesome.

1. The Georgia Aquarium
Biggest. Baddest. In the world. Wham, bam, thank you Home Depot man!

2. Center for Puppetry Arts
And… We also scored the nation’s largest organization dedicated to puppetry. Somebody pulled some strings here I think.

3. Atlanta Botanical Garden
From Scarecrows in the Garden to Imaginary Worlds, this magical Garden plants the seed for a love of nature in our saplings, and lifts our spirits in any season.

4. The Fox Theater
The Fab Fox rocks as a lovable landmark that is terrific for tots from it’s star-studded ceiling to it’s box-office busting shows.

5. Stellar Schools for the Small Set
While we might complain about the complexities of private school applications (click here for our sanity-saving guide), Atlanta boasts a bevy of prestigious preschools and award-winning private and public elementary schools. Now, if we could just sort out the hot mess of high school.

6. We Go Wild for Babies
Zoo Atlanta boasts not just very rare Giant Pandas, but baby pandas. And baby lions, baby giraffes, baby rhinos and baby warthogs. It’s just an abundance of adorableness up in here.

7. Chick-fil-A Keeps It Real
When we are on the go, we feed our families without their seemingly crack-coated, fried fabulousness. Their wholesome approach and semi-healthy options makes us feel a little less guilty as we pull through the drive-thru (for the umpteenth time).

8. It’s A Group Thing, Ya’ll
Being a mom is hard, so here in the South we take care of our own. From neighborhood playgroups to stroller-friendly workout classes—Atlanta moms take care of their own. Find your sisterhood of support here, or check out some other stuff we think every ATL mom needs to know.

9. We Take It Outside
Known as “the city in the woods,” Atlanta’s 343 parks, preservations and abundant playgrounds mean that there is always a spot for families to score some fresh air. Click here for the best of the bunch.

10. We Got Patios Aplenty
For a good part of the year, Atlanta weather is mild enough to dine outside. And for parent’s who travel with tots in tow, that is good news. Click here for some spots where you can dine without having to remind them to use their “inside voice.”

What do you love about being an Atlanta parent? Share in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Georgia Aquarium via Facebook, Center for Puppetry Arts via Facebook, Atlanta Botanical Garden via Facebook, Zoo Atlanta via Facebook, Fox Theater via Facebook, Chick-fil-A via Facebook, Fulton County Schools via Facebook, Stroller Strides via Facebook, Cowtippers via Facebook

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Inside the Totally Awesome North Dallas Doula Associates with Melissa Espey-Mueller

by writerredtri

North Dallas Doula Associates has earned quite the reputation for itself with Dallas-area families. Whether it’s the dedicated, highly trained staff on hand or the innumerable pre-and-post partum services offered, mamas agree: these doulas are simply the best. It’s no wonder, then, that North Dallas Doula Associates was your Totally Awesome pick for best midwife/doula resource in Dallas. Founder Melissa Espey-Mueller recently took the time to chat with us about the heart and soul of NDDA, her proud moments as a doula, and more. Read on:
Red Tricycle: Congratulations! Your community recently voted you “Most Awesome”.  What do you think your customers value most about your business?

Melissa Espey-Mueller: We are a sisterhood. We believe in the power of women and help our clients have the birth experiences they choose. We provide them with emotional support, physical support during labor, and education throughout pregnancy, labor and beyond.

RT: What inspired you to start your business?

ME-M: I was inspired to start my doula practice on my journey as a Hospice provider. I’ve been blessed to be a part of the two most beautiful and vulnerable times in a person’s life. I wrote a fairly in-depth post about my journey and my calling on my blog—and I encourage you to check it out. 

RT: Any advice for new business owners just getting started?

ME-M: Find your passion and then wake up every day ready to make it happen!

RT: Can you give us one tip for balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood?

ME-M: Find a team that helps balance your time.

RT: What is your proudest moment as a business owner or parent?

ME-M: I am proud every time I see a baby breathe in air for the first time, or a new mom exclaim “I did it.” after giving birth, or the tears in a new fathers eyes as he sees his baby in his wife’s arms for the first time.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?

ME-M: Yes! We’re offering 15% off services of your choice.

Intrigued by North Dallas Doula Associates? Learn more about this totally awesome business on Facebook.

Click HERE to check out more Totally Awesome Award Winning profiles!

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