The Muffin Incident

Yesterday I forgot to add eggs to the batter I made, and ruined a dozen of chocolate walnut muffins. This is something that would have never happened to Bree Van de Kamp, I’m sure, or, for that matter, to my mother: an epitome of fine homemaking, and an impossible domestic goddess role model.

Entering my second year of running a family household, I think I’ve come a long way. I learned how to cook rice to precision, keep plants alive, host elaborate holiday dinners, and maintain the house clean and organized, even during stressful times. I am now the kind of homemaker that never leaves unfolded laundry lying around. I’m also the kind of homemaker that forgets to add eggs to a very well-intentioned muffins batter.

When I told my mother about the muffins incident, she was very understanding. “You have a demanding job, and work long hours before you get to the kitchen”, she said, “no wonder you weren’t focused on the baking”.

I’m a translator by profession, and work a full time job as a communication executive in a medium-sized corporation. I also own my own translation business. My work day starts at 7.30 in the morning, and ends about 11 hours later. What my mother basically told me, was that because housewifing isn’t my career of choice or even my main occupation in life, I can never expect to excel in it, just to be good enough.

But is “good enough” good enough for me? See, I’m not so sure.

Growing up with a stay-at-home mom who baked and cooked fabulous food on a daily basis; tended a beautiful garden of flowers, fruit trees and vegetable plots; laundered clothes to a supple and scented perfection, and kept a spotless home – I absolutely want the same for myself, my husband, and my kids. Anything else feels like settling for second-best.

Tags: baking, homemaker, homemaking, housewife, muffins