Mandi Castle's Blog, page 2

Why Moms Yell

I’ve often said that every day is Groundhog day when you’re a mom. One thing, in particular, that remains an ever present constant in my house is the struggle for my son to put on his shoes. Every single morning, we do the same thing. Wake up, get dressed, comb hair, eat breakfast, brush teeth,... Read More in Why Moms Yell

The Explanation of a Queef

It's not every day one gets to explain a queef...

Not Less

“Damn, girl! Your pockets are full!” Someone shouted at me. I was walking into the mall with my brother. I was thirteen, maybe fourteen. My brother laughed.  Then he yelled something to him in my defense. “What did he mean, my pockets are full?” I asked. “He’s talking about your butt.” I lowered my head,... Read More in Not Less

The Darkest Night

You see, I wanted you long before I had you. On nights when I couldn’t sleep, I would lie awake in my bed and dream about holding your hand, how it would fit into mine, the softness of your skin. I saw your face in my mind looking back at me, the two of us... Read More in The Darkest Night

Dear Good Christian Bitch

Dear GCB, I wonder how cold it is way up there on your high horse where you sit ready to look down at anyone who crosses your holier than thou path. Does it make you feel closer to Jesus (because I don’t really think He lives in the sky)? Do you think you look good... Read More in Dear Good Christian Bitch

Dear GCB (In Defense of…Well… Everyone)

Dear GCB, I wonder how cold it is way up there on your high horse where you sit ready to look down at anyone who crosses your holier than thou path. Does it make you feel closer to Jesus (because I don’t really think He lives in the sky)? Do you think you look good... Read More in Dear GCB (In Defense of…Well… Everyone)

Be Still and Know

I talked to my mom today. I’m sure a lot of you talked to your moms today. It’s probably something as routine as putting on deodorant or brushing your hair. But I haven’t had a normal conversation with my mom in a while. She didn’t beat around the bush. I said hello, and she said... Read More in Be Still and Know

Just a Girl For a Girl

I grew up censored. I was taught to behave a certain way. I obeyed the rules  to sit still and be quiet and that (and this is a big one) women do not have the right to assert authority over men. It was in the Bible, so it was true. My father, a Christian fundamentalist,... Read More in Just a Girl For a Girl

Of Monsters and Kids

"Mom, I'm scared to go to school."

Rape and Math – Numbers Don’t Lie

I’m mad. Infuriated, actually. A rapist is getting set free, possibly right now. Today, after only serving three months in jail. Upon hearing this news, my immediate reaction was  to pull out my laptop and shove my two cents down your throat. I wanted to write about the injustice of Brock Turner’s short sentence. Armed... Read More in Rape and Math – Numbers Don’t Lie