HELP I'm getting dumber!

[Anonymous]

You could try learning a new language?

[Anonymous]

Get some good general interest periodicals -- New Yorker, Atlantic, Harpers, etc. Generally very good writing, great vocab and a good way to keep up with current events too. Plus they're easier to pick up/put down in between diaper blow-outs and food spills!

[Anonymous]

OP I totally know whre you are coming from. I have been home for almost 5 years and I still think I can hold an intelligent conversation but I have had fewer nights of good sleep over these past 5 years, I am getting closer to 40 and I am also not just responsible for myself but these other humans and remembering who needs to go where, do what, etc.

I do a lot of Soduku, while I'm sure my husband doesn't really want to talk about work at the end of the day, we worked in simiar fields and he is really good about including me in issues/ideas he has with work. I serve on a board that is family friend (we have babysitters there for when we meet) and am also very involved in my children's preschool. While nothing like when I was working, I like being involved.

I must admit at the end of the day, I enjoy reading "my trash" as my husband refers to it and I also do Soduku but these are a couple of books that are sitting on my bookshelf that my husband has been recommending I read:

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
A Confederacy of Dummies by John Kennedy Toole

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Skip the fiction books and start reading a journal/publication. Is there something like a Lawyers Weekly?

OP - can you register for any conferences going on in your field - 1. to stay stimulated 2. to keep current when you do re-enter?

It sounds like you're craving a good hearty discussion and current news that is relevant to your field (you hang on every word from DH's cases) than a book club.

I kept myself stimulated by keeping updated with all the developments in my industry too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I totally know whre you are coming from. I have been home for almost 5 years and I still think I can hold an intelligent conversation but I have had fewer nights of good sleep over these past 5 years, I am getting closer to 40 and I am also not just responsible for myself but these other humans and remembering who needs to go where, do what, etc.

I do a lot of Soduku, while I'm sure my husband doesn't really want to talk about work at the end of the day, we worked in simiar fields and he is really good about including me in issues/ideas he has with work. I serve on a board that is family friend (we have babysitters there for when we meet) and am also very involved in my children's preschool. While nothing like when I was working, I like being involved.

I must admit at the end of the day, I enjoy reading "my trash" as my husband refers to it and I also do Soduku but these are a couple of books that are sitting on my bookshelf that my husband has been recommending I read:

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
A Confederacy of Dummies by John Kennedy Toole

It's actually A Confederacy of Dunces, but it is a great book.

[Anonymous]

It's actually A Confederacy of Dunces, but it is a great book.

That's what I get for responding after getting up super early with my 2 year old. Thanks PP for correcting my mistake.

[Anonymous]

You know how I know I'm no longer intellectually relevant? Because my husband tells me so. He makes sure to confirm for me that whatever comes out of my mouth is one of two things -- it's "prattle" if it's moderate-to-lowbrow (and I need to shut up and not bother him) or it's "pedantic" if I say something learned and high-brow (and I also need to shut up and not bother him).

Ouch. Hurts to admit this out loud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know how I know I'm no longer intellectually relevant? Because my husband tells me so. He makes sure to confirm for me that whatever comes out of my mouth is one of two things -- it's "prattle" if it's moderate-to-lowbrow (and I need to shut up and not bother him) or it's "pedantic" if I say something learned and high-brow (and I also need to shut up and not bother him).

Ouch. Hurts to admit this out loud.

I'm sorry. Hope you looking for better future options for you and DCs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know how I know I'm no longer intellectually relevant? Because my husband tells me so. He makes sure to confirm for me that whatever comes out of my mouth is one of two things -- it's "prattle" if it's moderate-to-lowbrow (and I need to shut up and not bother him) or it's "pedantic" if I say something learned and high-brow (and I also need to shut up and not bother him).

Ouch. Hurts to admit this out loud.

I'm sorry. Hope you looking for better future options for you and DCs.

I don't know if I'd go this far, but I definitely think her husband sounds like a world class asshole. In fact, if I were defining asshole for someone, this would be a great example. I really hope this was a joke.

[Anonymous]

I like the periodicals recommendations. What about The Economist?

I just finished The Fountainhead for my book club. It was not the best book I've ever read in terms of literary merit but I found it to be very thought provoking.

[Anonymous]

I am also a former attorney and SAHM now and I sometimes worry that I am losing my intellectual sharpness. I read a lot of literary fiction but in addition to that I think you really have to read some nonfiction.

The Atlantic magazine has very well written articles and I am trying to get myself in the habit of reading a few articles a weak. I also keep a small notebook next to me when reading it and I jot down any words that I don't know the meaning of and look them up and create my own vocabulary list. It sounds silly but it makes me feel better that at least I am learning something.

[Anonymous]

OP, you are being way too hard on yourself.

Refer to the "Christine O'Donnell is refreshing" thread. You have much farther to fall before you can really call yourself dumb.

[Anonymous]

Keep the New Yorker in your bathroom. Lock the door and read a page or two every time you go. After a few weeks of this you will be much better informed on matters of politics, arts, literature, etc. -- and it's a good sanity break during the day.

[Anonymous]

agree with PP
excellent story
even better writing

Also Perfume by Suskind - fabulous translation, weird yet fascinating story

Anonymous wrote:Read Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. It will improve your vocabulary and stretch your mind. Beautiful prose.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you get a Ph.D in a hard science in your spare time?