CARVSMARK

Ah, what a glorious occasion to celebrate the journey of womankind how we’ve triumphed, how we’ve persevered, and how we’ve still got a ways to go. It’s like a marathon, except we’re all running in heels while balancing a metaphorical universe on our shoulders. But fear not, for we do it with flair!

My fellow warriors in the battle against bad hair days and superstitions! Today, let’s raise a glass to the women who have shaped us whether it’s our mothers, grandmothers, or those eccentric aunts who always seem to have a knack for reminding us about the perils of whistling at night (seriously, who knew it could summon snakes?).

Now, I don’t know about you, but growing up, my family had a whole arsenal of superstitions that could rival a Harry Potter spell book. “Don’t eat peppers during your period, or you’ll sprout a garden in your uterus” and “Watch out for whistling at night, or your bed might turn into a snake pit”seriously, who comes up with this stuff? I half expected them to publish a compendium of superstitions, complete with illustrations by yours truly. (Note to self: that could be a bestseller.)

But despite their obsession with warding off evil spirits and questionable advice on feminine hygiene, these women were the backbone of my upbringing. They instilled in me a work ethic that could rival a team of Olympic athletes and a sense of humour so sharp it could cut through steel.

Now, I’ve been told that I can be a tad intimidating at first glance, but little do people know, it’s just my way of hiding my crippling shyness. And as for not beating around the bush? Blame it on the fact that my mom taught me to multitask before I even learned to walk. (Thanks, Mom!) Sure, I may never cook like my aunts—who seem to treat every meal like it’s a royal wedding-but I’ll be damned if I don’t try to infuse every dish with the same love and passion they do.

These women have weathered storms that would make a Navy SEAL quiver in their boots losing husbands, battling cancer, overcoming health issues and yet, they still manage to shimmy into their party dresses and hit up the local Portuguese fiesta like it’s a high school prom.

And let’s not forget about those resilient aunts in their 90s, still kicking butt and taking names like they’re auditioning for a role in “The Expendables.” And my grandmother? Well, she went out like a champ, peacefully drifting off to sleep at the ripe old age of 98.

Now, betore we dive into the festivities, let me take a moment to express my admiration for the men in our lives. Yes, you heard me right. As a mother of three strapping young lads, I couldn’t help but ponder: do our gentlemen counterparts get their own international celebration? Lo and behold, November 19th shines brightly on the calendar as International Men’s Day. But wait, there’s more! It’s also International Toilet Day. Yes, you read that correctly. Men, the unsung heroes of civilization, share their special day with a humble porcelain throne. Talk about a royal Aush!

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While we’re out here breaking glass ceilings, let’s remember to extend a hand of appreciation to the menfolk who stand by us. They may not always express it in flowery speeches or grand gestures, but trust me, they’re our biggest cheerleaders. And they certainly don’t complain about sharing their special day with bathroom fixtures.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should I say, the elephant in the gender discourse. Raising boys in today’s world can feel like navigating a minefield of misinterpretations and misconceptions. Suddenly, they’re labeled as the enemy, the root of all evil, and the cause of every societal woe. But hold your horses, folks! Are all men really to blame for the woes of the world? Or have we painted them with too broad a brushstroke?

Let me tell you about the six incredible men in my life: my father, my brother, my three sons, and my dashing husband. They’ve been my rock, my guiding light, and my partners in crime.

And I’m willing to bet each and every one of you has a similar lineup of stand-up gentlemen in your corner.

So, on this Women’s International Day, let’s continue our march towards equality with vim and vigour. But let’s also take a moment to tip our hats to the men who’ve stood beside us through thick and thin. After all, it takes two to tango, and we’re in this dance of life together.

As for International Toilet Day, well, let’s just say I’ll be Aushing that idea right down the drain.

But International Men’s Day? Now that’s a celebration worth raising a glass to. So here’s to the men in our lives may they continue to inspire, support, and yes, occasionally share their special day with an inanimate object. To the women who taught me that strength isn’t just about flexing your muscles—it’s about flexing your resilience, your wit, and your ability to laugh in the face of adversity. Today, I celebrate you all my fearless, fabulous, and slightly superstitious heroines.

Cheers to that!