tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375375948082788142012-02-16T06:53:49.837-08:00The Adventures of a Keyboard Toting MommakinC'est Moinoreply@blogger.comBlogger2461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-48223693473147805822011-07-17T19:30:00.000-07:002011-07-17T19:32:26.393-07:00

Today was a big day in the life of Eliza; she went swimming for the first time, in her grandma's pool!I debated publishing this video because a). I look like bouncing jackknife in part of it, b). I'm making ridiculous sounds and saying daft things and c). I still haven't lost the 10 pounds I've been complaining about for 6 months now but hey in the end, YouTube was less effort than writing a

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-41656420529088270062011-07-12T10:10:00.000-07:002011-07-12T10:10:42.770-07:00

Today begins my whole house purge. I want everything in order for our "embrace our space" campaign, which kicks off next Thursday when Robert Jenny from Robert Jenny Designs comes to evaluate our needs. I'm really excited to see what he comes up with and hope that we can afford it... I'm pushing to blow out that back of our flat to extend our living area into the patio area but according to Matt,

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-37893522061041726712011-07-09T11:20:00.001-07:002011-07-09T11:24:01.314-07:00

Hi, remember me? I know, it's been a long time since I last posted and I apologize, particularly to my number one reader, Cort, who has been nudging me gently toward the keyboard with her Facebook inquiries. I've made a pact with myself to post at least twice a week and I intend to keep it. My friend K*, who blogs here, warned me of the difficulties of juggling my momma self and my writing

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-91718430450209108542011-05-15T06:59:00.000-07:002011-05-15T06:59:24.066-07:00

Some days, it's all just a bit too much:my nerve endings, a bit too raw and thefuture, a bit too bleak. Luckily, it's just some days but honestly, why can't everyday bring porridge that is just about right?

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-36143171244353992162011-05-11T12:07:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:25:38.186-07:00

Little Eliza Skye has been keeping me companytoday while I try to get this house back in order;it's covered in dust from the front stoop and stairsdemolition/reconstruction, plus the laundry was piled up so high that Angelica Pinkerton got lost in it for a few hours.  So instead of joining my lunch group for the $10 salad and gourmet pizzaspecial at Bin 14, I chose to enjoy the world fromwithin

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-31095012431728090562011-05-08T13:37:00.000-07:002011-05-08T16:17:58.840-07:00

Eliza Skye and her momma, Mother's Day 2011 Mother's Day is a very strange holiday. No matter how hard everyone tries to makethe day all about you, the reality is this: your job as a mom does not allow for any breaks. Not a second passes that the mind is not spinningwith thoughts of bottles (or breasts), bowel movements,burps, drooly McDrools, or the three dividingtimes of your baby's day: play

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-72035273325752511642011-05-04T09:10:00.000-07:002011-05-04T09:10:48.841-07:00

It's been an interesting few weeks,that's for sure. My daughter stayed out past curfew at an Irish pub and I extended my maternity leave until February 2012,survived a solo journey home to help out around the house while my momrecovered from surgery resulting from Diverticulitis, had a bunch of girls and babiesover for a Royal Wedding Re-cap brunch,drafted a floor plan that would turn a cornerof

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-65356584771744859252011-04-28T20:26:00.000-07:002011-04-28T20:26:36.903-07:00

Knowing that your best friend - the one you met when the two ofyou were the age that her daughter is now -has made it through not one, not two, but three infancies alive (and now has threehappy, healthy, loving school agechildren and an intact marriage, sense of humor, and good hair to boot)makes the prognosis of gettingthrough one (and possibly still havingsome skin left on your fingers) a heck

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-40005551561017429792011-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:002011-04-21T11:39:01.995-07:00

China and Berlin did it.And so did Mexico City, Quebec, and Bruges.Perhaps it's time that the LaPointe'sbuild a wall, too.I'm gettingtired of life withbaby in a 1 bedroom,so perhaps we'll turn it into two. Or, someone could just buy this place: 79monroestreet.blogspot.com

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-39796558559385155732011-04-19T20:37:00.000-07:002011-04-19T20:37:36.916-07:00

After spending last summer working on an organic farm in Nova Scotia, one of my former students is now helping families live more sustainable lifestyles here in New Jersey by acquainting them with organic backyard farming/gardening. Gabby specializes in introducing families to simple practices that can produce life changing results.  She and her team of like minded helpers will come to your home

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-76712722395942194212011-04-12T18:29:00.000-07:002011-04-12T18:29:41.728-07:00

In the beginning, this is about as much as you get out of a newborn and it can me a bit, um,mind numbing, to say the least.  Those days are really, REALLY hard and seem to dragout 'til eternity. Ugh, I remember them well...But time passes and not only do you get better at taking photos, you start getting a'lil something in return for your efforts. Thedays start to move by quickly and you beginto

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-86329233223892468622011-04-11T18:34:00.000-07:002011-04-11T18:34:13.573-07:00

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-57578469877741365772011-04-06T18:18:00.001-07:002011-04-06T18:31:47.748-07:00

, a photo by Life As We Blog It on Flickr.The other weekend, Matty was the best man in a lifelong friend's wedding. Over the past few years, I've gotten to know the couple well; they are nicely paired so I was really looking forward to this event, despite having to seek out a formal dress that would fit my post-preggo body. My friend Connie helped me out there; luckily, she had a to die for

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-21274833162909229682011-04-05T17:51:00.001-07:002011-04-05T17:53:05.498-07:00

, a photo by Life As We Blog It on Flickr.Eliza Skye likes to bap. My kind friends with babies sweetly refer to her cries as "cute" whereas they cut through me like a razor on Joan Rivers' face. Her baps, on the other hand, do not make me clench my fingernails between my teeth because they are quite endearing. Back in the early days, I scoffed at those who said that I would recognize her

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-41727666848796635992011-04-04T15:08:00.001-07:002011-04-04T15:10:43.127-07:00

Spring Cure 2010, a photo by Life As We Blog It on Flickr. And yep, I took this bad pic.This is where I spend my days but you need to imagine a play mat, bouncy seat, crib, changing table, and Mammaroo swing sharing the space with me. Oh, and a 14 week old. Today I got a call around noon from the real estate agency, asking if an agent could show our place from 2-3, which is feeding time. Of

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-64165852054809710302011-04-03T09:33:00.001-07:002011-04-03T09:33:11.489-07:00

Day 23/365 Mother's Little Helper, a photo by texasgurl on Flickr.It's confession time here at LaPointe of It All: my daughter is OBSESSED with television.Yep, she's 14 weeks old and has already discovered the boob tube and all of its glories. We noticed that she was attracted to television when she was just a few weeks old: the little monkey couldn't tear herself away.So, like any good mom, I

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-62541623118301407532011-04-02T06:51:00.001-07:002011-04-02T06:51:49.621-07:00

Windows of Opportunity (2), a photo by lamar.francois on Flickr.One of the most frustrating parts of motherhood is waiting for a window of opportunity to open so that you can return to your former self for a moment. These windows rarely open for more than an hour or two, so when they do, it's crucial to take advantage.My day is organized around Eliza's schedule. I wait for her to sleep so that I

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-70654053030443030682011-04-01T16:27:00.000-07:002011-04-01T16:27:42.236-07:00

Girls' Thursday Night Out Sans Babies + Wine + Sushi + Dancing at Buskers to Katy Perry = One Miserable Mother and One Relentless Baby. Lesson Learned.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-31782923501746637502011-03-30T06:31:00.001-07:002011-03-30T06:31:52.549-07:00

Alicakes Sleeping Baby Girl! Shhhh!, a photo by alicakescupcakery on Flickr.Everything in my life revolves around one goal: a sleeping baby.Eliza is a great sleeper but I live with the constant fear that she'll stop being one, so everything I do throughout my entire day is in hopes of a good night's sleep.That's what my life has come down to. Ugh. Welcome to Groundhog Day.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-62494806071405963422011-03-28T11:27:00.001-07:002011-03-28T11:27:17.634-07:00

bethenny.jpg, a photo by caitlinoco on Flickr.Ok - Eliza is 13 weeks old and I feel that it's about time that I make an active effort to lose the rest of the weight I gained eating Ben and Jerry's during my miserable pregnancy.As you know from my post-delivery blogs, I swelled to the size of a small whale after she was ripped from my womb. Most women leave the hospital having lost AT LEAST the

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-50716347344755099232011-03-21T18:26:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:26:08.939-07:00

Matty: "So that was Connie, right? She's married to Brett? And she grew up near you in Lewisburg? The Greek girl?"Me: "Yep."Matty: "Ok, so we've got Sarah and James, Connie and Brett and... who's the other one? The Russian? European?"Me: "You mean the other Brit? That's Laura."Matty: "Yeah, ok, she's the one moving back, right?"Me: "Yep."Matty: "But that's not all, there's more, right? That other

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-31507943598424083132011-03-20T06:56:00.001-07:002011-03-20T07:01:24.561-07:00

The Cheeks just went down for her morning nap, soI thought I would spend some time catching up on some blog reading.  While I was trolling the internet, I found this article; wow. I guess I'm just one of many obsessed with Mormon housewife blogs.  

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-26075402558987432652011-03-17T06:37:00.000-07:002011-03-17T06:37:27.926-07:00

The weather has finally turned a corner, so it makes sense that E and I get out andabout as much as possible while the gettingis good! Yesterday we lunched at The Turtle Clubwith the usual Wednesday afternoon crew.  On our way home, I got really ambitious and decidedto walk to the bank; that wasn't the best idea, asE screamed her little head off and I had to duck into CVS and purchase an over 

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-66114646589964605032011-03-16T18:07:00.000-07:002011-03-16T18:07:10.343-07:00

My thumb, my nose, and my lip are all slightly split open and all three more than slightly hurt. That's all, folks. 

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-66500199280356202112011-03-10T09:50:00.001-08:002011-03-10T09:50:44.992-08:00

Something new to Read a photo by Violet Kashi on Flickr.Jonathan Franzen on one of his character's emigration:"He became another data point in the American experiment of self- government, an experiment statistically skewed from the outset, because it wasn't the people with sociable genes who fled the crowded Old World for the new continent; it was the people who didn't get along well with others.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-30258746815200935962011-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:002011-03-02T18:49:03.108-08:00

Today we got another peek at what's to come,and it finally hit me that winter won't last forever.Spring will spring - it's inevitable - but that's beenreally hard to believe these last icy months.I'm ready for winter to end before I completely turn against all things cold and snow; as it is now, I'm hanging on to what little appreciationI've spent years mustering up for it by a thread.I'm

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-63505258699102335022011-02-28T16:08:00.000-08:002011-02-28T16:08:18.633-08:00

I can't believe that two months have passed since my abdomen was sliced open and this little lump was pulled out! Little Miss Eliza Skye spent her two month birthday lounging in her bouncychair, sucking down bottles of formula,and sleeping on her tummy in her crib;according to her happy disposition, it was time well spent.  At this stage, she is smiling a lot, gurgling, and yes, bapping like

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-1940152490112476412011-02-28T09:07:00.000-08:002011-02-28T09:07:27.369-08:00

In between moments spent loving and caring for little Eliza, I will be spending today attempting to catch up on correspondence: emails, thank you notes, FB message and comment returns, voicemails, etc. If there's time, I may even have a blog in me...

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-2687539636638227932011-02-25T14:45:00.000-08:002011-02-25T14:45:30.560-08:00

On Monday afternoon, my bff from high school called and asked if I was interested in road tripping back home to PA with her.  This is something the two of us have done since I moved to NJ a decade ago: if one of us is heading west, we invite the other along to lighten the misery of Route 80.  However this trip was to be a first. It wasn't going to be just the two of us this time, or the two of

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-76909731403908802372011-02-16T19:17:00.000-08:002011-02-16T19:44:16.090-08:00

The Cheeks before heading out to lunch, dressed in her velour NJ Housewife track suit that Aunt Alina bought her. It has bell sleeves and is utterly adorable, just like her expression. Wednesday lunches with my new friends (who just so happen to have babies) have become my weeks' highlight.  It not only forces me to get out of the house with The Cheeks, but I've also tried three new restaurants,

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-27314267040942973582011-02-15T11:49:00.000-08:002011-02-15T11:49:14.264-08:00

I need to get my act together and finish writing my novel instead of spending my time watching foreign films, doing laundry, and thinking about finishing my novel.  To be honest, whenever I sit down to work on it, instead of writing toward its end, I spend hours re-reading and editing the 189 pages I've completed. Which is an exercise in futility. I need to stop obsessing over sentence

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-58495864642728499562011-02-14T18:42:00.000-08:002011-02-14T18:42:12.061-08:00

Eliza Skye spent her first Valentine's Day breaking all of the rules by napping onher tummy, just like she did all weekend at Grammy Kline's house, except there she was covered in multiple blankets, too.I couldn't wait for Matty to get home topresent her with my Valentine, so I gave it to her early; she didn't really understand but seemed to appreciate the thought. When her daddy arrived home

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-67367901948837896752011-02-09T18:47:00.000-08:002011-02-09T18:47:48.851-08:00

First, a confession: I copied and pasted the title of this post.Yep, I went to Google and typed in "Stream of", knowing exactly what I wanted would pop up.  Let's face it - thatC word is a tough one for me to spell and I'm really lazy. Moving on. Today was a good day.  I met up with my new friends(and Eliza's suitors) for lunch at Bin 14.  They run a pretty sweet deal for "moms". I wish they

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-50851181160055398162011-02-06T19:48:00.000-08:002011-02-06T19:49:36.233-08:00

For 32 years now, my days have been scheduled,not by choice but because that's how long I've been in school and schools are run by bells. Although I like to envision myself as a go-where-the-wind-takes-me type of gal, thetruth is, I'm not: I thrive on routine. Shocking, eh?Yep, the majority of my travels and adventures have been, for the most part, thoroughly researched and well-planned before

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-60230517271000782812011-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:002011-02-05T15:48:53.119-08:00

Just a few years back, we girls were all overthe map - literally and figuratively. Whereas we stillare spread out around the world, surprisingly, our life's journeys now seem to be in close proximity. I guess this convergence began back in 2008, when Abbie married Jamie in a small ceremony in London. A few weeks later, a gorgeous lochside Scottish reception followed and it was at that reception

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-27377028577965338542011-02-04T07:21:00.000-08:002011-02-04T07:21:57.686-08:00

Tuesday was the best day of motherhood so far:The Cheeks and I had a very productive day, meaningI had time and energy to blog and she slept, played on her play mat and napped on schedule. Woo hoo!Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, however, was the worst night of motherhood and it had nothingto do with The Cheeks: at 2:30 am, Matt came down with a horrific stomach virus and I developed an

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-58031897834763476852011-02-02T11:32:00.000-08:002011-02-02T11:58:45.660-08:00

Yesterday, The Cheeks practiced looking for hershadow in rehearsal for today's big event; you see,I've decided that in order to get the most out of motherhood, one must get the most out of one's childand after seeing her perfect plank position yesterday,I've decided that The Cheeks must become a soothsayer.And with her natural ability to crane her neck and look around, what better way to start

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-48661337928827597562011-02-01T08:49:00.000-08:002011-02-01T08:49:48.342-08:00

Each summer, my girlfriends and I come together from all corners of the world to holiday together.  This year, it was their turn to come to me and so last August, while we were all together on the Isle of Mull, we began to plan a beach holiday for this coming August and chose North Carolina as our destination. A few weeks ago while G-chatting, we picked up that discussion where we had left off

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-73579817071534748642011-01-30T19:11:00.000-08:002011-01-30T19:11:51.873-08:00

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-47452290054677559462011-01-28T11:42:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:42:31.834-08:00

1 Month Old(Don't worry, mom - she was only barelegged for the pic) Congratulations to me!  I've managed to keep The Cheeks alivepretty much on my own for an entire month; this is huge! Yep, today The Cheeks turns one month old; I've decided to celebrate her monthstones on the day she was born (the 28th) instead of every four weeks so today we are really partying, which means she is eating

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-33402451431873781412011-01-27T09:16:00.000-08:002011-01-27T09:27:43.569-08:00

Ok, so this isn't a word from my sponsor, it's just some words inspired by and taken from The Sentence of Dave.Apparently, since I've been on maternity leave, my super smart (and often smart ass) colleague has taken it upon himself to champion the fight against charter schools.  Although I'm a public school teacher, I've always believed in choice - that is, until I voted Governor Christie into

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-12609165400544944062011-01-26T15:39:00.000-08:002011-01-26T15:39:20.514-08:00

Last night - or was it early this morning? - while Iwas feeding The Cheeks, my mind went off time traveling;I made a note of some of its destinations because I thought those 3 am thoughts would make a good blog post. What prompts our mind to dig back into its archives?A thought? An image? A conversation?I tried to figure that out last night when my mindled me back to late high school and a few

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-88072109616282987852011-01-25T18:57:00.000-08:002011-02-03T14:12:36.619-08:00

Tuesday morning, The Cheeks and I ventured out in to the winter snow and made our way to our first meeting of the Hoboken Hospital New Moms Support Group.The Cheeks bundled up for her big adventure I heard about this group from my friend Michelle; a few weeks ago, she even texted me an early morning reminder that it was meeting that day, butI had to pass because I couldn't pull myself togetherin

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-5000202902535925022011-01-23T18:51:00.000-08:002011-01-23T18:56:05.008-08:00

The Cheeks, January 23rd, 2011 The weekend has come to an end, andso has my mom's stay in Hoboken.  I met myparents in Delaware Water Gap on Thursday; no, that's not grammatically incorrect - DWG is not justa geographical formation, it's a town, too, that has a diner, appropriately named the Delaware Water Gap Diner.That's where we met up for a bit of breakfast so my dad could spend some time

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-29226859232709955842011-01-20T18:38:00.000-08:002011-01-20T18:38:26.446-08:00

Since my last post, I've received so much lovefrom many of my readers and friends.  I am so gratefulto all of you who took a moment out of your hectic lives to email, text or call me to offer your stories and support; each and every word is truly appreciated and has served to bolster my spirits during this happy but emotional time.  I've heard from oldfriends and new ones; from college buddies

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-90161638355129772422011-01-16T21:18:00.000-08:002011-01-16T21:18:31.944-08:00

Yep, that's how we roll in 700 square feet;bird, baby, what's the dif?

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-80665210986911489292011-01-14T09:26:00.000-08:002011-01-14T09:26:47.147-08:00

This is hard. Really hard.I have never been one to romanticize anything and I certainly didn't romanticizemotherhood while I was pregnant: I knew it would be tough and that it would have its upsand downs.  I just never realized that the downswould be so down and that the ups would befew and far between at this stage. I wish I could say that I feel this way becauseI'm sleep deprived but that's not

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-70394236142501298942011-01-10T23:31:00.000-08:002011-01-10T23:31:06.342-08:00

It began in a snowstorm. Yes, of all days that I was scheduled to be induced, the blizzard of 2010 had to commence in the wee hours of that morn... Hoboken was a disaster and when I say disaster, I mean it was its own State of Emergency; not a single road was plowed until the storm had ended Monday night.  Then all hell broke loose and we began our trip to the hospital... One would think that

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-14890755060720242132011-01-08T19:16:00.000-08:002011-01-08T19:16:19.663-08:00

Parenthood is such a mixed bag;I adore Miss Chubby Cheeks because not only is she gorgeous and sweet,she's ours.  The best part of this whole gig is the relationship between Matt and this little human who depends on us.Little girls love their dads and I'm so glad I have given her the perfect pop;the rewards are great and endless. But to achieve greatness, one must sacrificeand that's the part of

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-52772687556313038142011-01-07T09:54:00.000-08:002011-01-07T09:55:02.891-08:00

"The smell of hospitals in winter And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls All at once you look across a crowded room To see the way that light attaches to a girl..." This year WILL be better than the last because we found the pearl.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-79883217070032862162011-01-06T06:28:00.000-08:002011-01-06T06:28:24.107-08:00

Life since Eliza has been amazing but I gotta admit that living in a one bedroom flat with a newborn is tough.  Currently, the only space to house her crib is the bedroom because that's the only space in our place that has a spot that the kitty can't access (every where else in the house has a surface Pinks can jump onto and then into, that is, if she wanted to.  Personally, I don't think she has

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-27207380025630557032011-01-02T18:02:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:03:40.987-08:00

My bff just bred the most adorable puppies and is offering them to excellent homes for a fantastic price; I say this because I know how much she paid for their momma and it was over twice the amount she's asking (why? Let's just say she didn't expect Jesse to have a litter of eight and would love to see them homed soon)! You can check them out here

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-30598338729490479782011-01-01T14:08:00.000-08:002011-01-01T14:08:32.507-08:00

I know, she's gorgeous, right?Seriously - I'm being completely objective becauseI would be the first to admit if she was funny lookingbut she's not because she looks EXACTLY like her dad; it's really kind of creepy.  But she had to be born beautifulbecause I just had the worst week of my life and there's no end in sight.  My inducement that ended in a c-section was a nightmare and my recovery is

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-9266627321185371842010-12-25T14:04:00.000-08:002010-12-25T14:04:02.655-08:00

Today is my due date but the only thingthat arrived was a fab new pair of Uggs,and I'm totally fine with that.  At this point,Bebe needs to hold off for at least 12 more hoursso I can traipse around the house in my new boots,eat some leftovers when my appetite returns, play laser tag with Pinks, and perhaps get in one more nights' sleep before I never sleep again. Happy Christmas, readers.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-34250366172207002942010-12-20T14:53:00.000-08:002010-12-20T14:53:17.731-08:00

Maternity leave bites,at least this part of it does.I can't really go anywhere becausewe only have one car and if Igo into labor somewhere out there,Matt will have no way to get to me.Therefore, I'm housebound and if you've seen The Shining, you know what that can lead to. Months ago when I thought of this time, I imagined it would feel like a winter summertime.I realized quickly that what makes 

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-74710322001081612112010-12-17T14:36:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:38:50.647-08:00

For those of you who lived through theElectric Lecky Era with me, you knowmy history of becoming caretaker to an elderly person I'm a). not related to and b). barely know.For two years I managed the Electric Lecky's bills,medication, and sore feet (i.e. feet covered in sores)while at the same time serving as her chauffeur. During that time period, I rented the apartment above the E.L. and thus

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-57935890315335916662010-12-14T06:22:00.000-08:002010-12-14T06:22:50.142-08:00

Yesterday was my first day of maternity leave and it wasn't what I had expected.I've barely gone 9 weeks without working since I was 14 years old; the thought of not leaving the house to go to work for9 months is almost preposterous.  During the months I spent looking forwardto maternity leave, I dumbassedly assumed that a feelingof calm and tranquility would accompany mytime off; instead, I feel

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-41134999040290179652010-12-11T06:57:00.000-08:002010-12-11T06:57:49.216-08:00

Yesterday was my last day of school:I'm officially on maternity leave and I'm exhausted.When I was younger, I enjoyed attention but as I get older, I am not comfortable with all eyes on me -with the exception of while I'm teaching, of course -so I took a deep breath and faced the day, one period at a time. My students were adorable: they threw makeshift parties(the most successful was complete

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-56111595915677076392010-12-02T15:00:00.000-08:002010-12-02T15:00:44.471-08:00

"More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor." And after reading that, I'm going to go vomit.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-2280956837687562792010-11-28T18:38:00.000-08:002010-11-28T18:38:03.580-08:00

Since finding out I was pregnant, I've bemoaned having a one bedroom flat because it means a). I don't have a nursery and  b). our storage options are severely limited.  To save space, we opted for the "urban" or "apartment" sized Bloom Alma crib (which I found on Craigslist for a fraction of its retail price) and decided to forego a changing table (we have plenty of flat surfaces to use instead)

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-51946922521387265552010-11-23T11:16:00.000-08:002010-11-23T11:16:58.857-08:00

If I have never wanted to stand separated from my peers and if my husband has never, ever, ever wanted to be set apart from his peers, and if we both are willing to splash out for the latest cute trends, then are the chances that our daughter will not ever, ever, ever, ever wear an gray old lady wig and ill fitting military style jacket to school pretty much 100% ? Dear lord, I hope so.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-22051455046710033692010-11-23T05:42:00.000-08:002010-11-23T05:42:41.688-08:00

Last school year, Virginia Woolf would have been proud: I had a room of one's own.  Yep, by some stroke of luck, I had my own classroom - one that I didn't share with anyone, which is a rarity in a high school that graduates 800 students a year. It meant that I had a lot of time to think, to write, to grade, to plan, and, well, just to be. I was, I believe, a better teacher, a better (and more

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-20080355723349939942010-11-22T13:56:00.000-08:002010-11-22T13:56:11.692-08:00

... that I can still fit into some of my pre-preggo sweaters because they are the only thing hiding my preggo back fat from a world view.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-70850556385791999862010-11-19T15:27:00.000-08:002010-11-19T15:27:01.226-08:00

The baby is coming... and I'm trying to get ready for her arrival.  I spent last night researching formula and emailing friends for advice; today, I went online and sourced a few options to see how much it will cost and was pleasantly surprised to discover that Amazon not only has good prices but also offers free shipping. I've been reading about how expensive formula is but I must say that

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-68265576861603944802010-11-15T14:12:00.000-08:002010-11-15T14:12:05.151-08:00

Let's face it, the holidays are draining - emotionally and financially - so why not make them less so by doing your shopping before Thanksgiving and spending wisely? My friend Whitney is a jewelry artist who makes every piece by hand.  It's a true labor of love; I've watched her craft pieces and believe me, I would throw my hands up and run screaming from the room if faced with such an exacting

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-62855208448062472122010-11-11T05:22:00.000-08:002010-11-11T05:22:22.041-08:00

Feel free to spread the word! 79MonroeStreet.blogspot.com

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-60468872664830870432010-11-09T17:46:00.000-08:002010-11-09T17:46:43.067-08:00

My guilty pleasures lately are the following: Katy Perry's song Teenage Dream The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Kristen Hannah novels Cheap ice cream The snooze button Trailers for Burlesque Realtor.com Following SIF's relationship with Mr. Fix It Spending copious amounts of time on FB while Matt is out living life Anticipating the new HARRY POTTER !!!! Organizing baby clothes

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-4554271182243234642010-11-02T18:58:00.000-07:002010-11-02T18:59:22.169-07:00

... it's time for the big kitchen reveal! Yes, we finally finished the kitchen this past weekend and when I say we, I mean Matt. Here's a quick look at it before: And here is the new and improved kitchen: It's tough to get good pics due to the tricky angles and my lack of a wide angle lens but believe me, it's rad.My husband did every bit of the work himself except for the countertop 

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-16066858260903396612010-11-01T13:58:00.000-07:002010-11-01T13:58:13.384-07:00

Dear God, My due date is in approx. 8 weeks and so I was wondering if you've decided on what type of soul you're going to bestow upon my child. It must get rather taxing, having to make this decision for literally half a million babies a day, so I thought I would help you with your decision making process: if you could pull Bebe's soul from the same batch you pulled Taylor Swift's from, I

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-1790268739746434062010-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:002010-10-24T19:02:19.974-07:00

I'm having a baby soon. We live in 700 square feet.  I don't have a nursery, or even a walk in closet that I can shove a crib into.  The kitchen still isn't finished.  The carpeting in the bedroom and living room is disgusting.  Our condo association just hit us up for $1000.00.  The real estate market SUCKS.  I am bleeding money and about to lose my salary.  I know nothing about labor and

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-76862514624994165612010-10-16T06:22:00.000-07:002010-10-16T06:22:49.115-07:00

My daughter is a little shawty, burning fire on the dance floor these days, and that dance floor just happens to be my separated abdomen.  Perhaps she's celebrating 30 weeks of in utero living. From what I gather, thinner women suffer from this condition - and I'm not using the word suffer lightly.  The ridiculous pain in my side when I sit has progressed to a ridiculous pain in my side and back

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-89263716502957376262010-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:002010-10-14T11:48:07.035-07:00

Dear Bebe, I'm reading a book by Anne Lamott called Imperfect Birds and I would be lying if I didn't say that I'm already dreading your teenage years. I have no doubt that we'll have a good relationship, one that is friendly without being friends and has boundaries but no true limits.  I'm the true Nick Carraway - I have the capacity to reserve judgment until I'm full to bursting - and don't

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-47431756200711818592010-10-11T16:05:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:05:34.139-07:00

When I sit down to blog, I start by reading through my blog roll and taking a few moments to comment on posts that strike me that particular day. Sometimes those responses require a lot of thought and attention to language and thus, in turn, consume a lot of my blog energy. Today was one of those days.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-70716425729058544692010-10-10T09:06:00.000-07:002010-10-10T09:06:11.198-07:00

When I was really small, probably around the age of 3 or 4, my father left the house early one Saturday morning to go hunting.  On the kitchen counter, he left a note for my mother that read something along the lines of this: "Dear Ann, I'm heading to the cabin to go hunting.  I'll be back later this afternoon or early this evening; would you like to have dinner tonight? Love,  Butch Ps. Do

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-85436640956784273442010-10-08T15:17:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:23:17.919-07:00

I haven't been blogging much lately. My back pain is destroying my spirit; it's soul killing and frankly, I don't have much to say.  A friend recommended acupuncture and I'm going to give it a try but I've been so busy commuting 2 hours a day, working 8 hours a day, tutoring after school, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, etc. that I haven't had a second to do anything other than complain.  

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-80029386269180625902010-10-04T14:33:00.003-07:002010-10-04T14:33:57.654-07:00

... from under my ribcage! Please, Bebe... PLEASE!!

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-76904766697955928262010-10-03T18:07:00.000-07:002010-10-03T18:10:27.374-07:00

My back has turned its back on me and I'm in a tremendous amount of pain. Unless I'm standing or lying down, the pain on my right side is unbearable and no amount of Tylenol puts it at ease. This is only my 7th month; if this pain continues, I don't know if I will. That thought is terrifying. The only time I feel normal is when I'm walking, which is why instead of relaxing after breakfast and

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-61601144704406292622010-09-29T18:30:00.000-07:002010-09-29T18:30:41.500-07:00

To bank or not to bank... Cord blood, that is the question. It makes all the sense in the world: bank your baby's cord blood and if needed someday, use it to cure her.  It's as simple as that... or is it? When I first heard of it, I immediately planned on doing it - why wouldn't I?  Who wouldn't want to bank the potential to save their child? Then I found out the cost and I nearly gave birth.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-56259829467828457232010-09-26T05:37:00.000-07:002010-09-26T19:02:13.520-07:00

I want to move out west, perhaps Idaho or Utah. Last fall, Matty and I hopped a plane to Boise and spent a long weekend with my aunt and uncle at their fabulous home. We woke up each morning to cinnamon flavored coffeedelivered direct to our suite via dumbwaiter:Toured wineries and enjoyed the beauty of the Idahoan countryside:Fell in love with the beauty of mountain lakes:Wore fur without fear

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-19394918957915508162010-09-21T00:58:00.000-07:002010-09-21T00:58:16.703-07:00

It's 3:23 am and I've been awake for an hour. This isn't good, considering that in less than three hours I will be at the wheel barreling down the turnpike toward a day to be spent on my feet performing in front of a captive audience of teenagers. Teaching British Literature to 16 and 17 year olds is physically and mentally exhausting; want to know what it's like?  Well, it's kind of like

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-26411391005554697632010-09-18T19:50:00.000-07:002010-09-18T19:50:59.458-07:00

Matty came home from work last night to find me curled up in a ball on the couch, bemoaning my outcast state.  He immediately knew what was on my mind and tried to make me feel better by saying that all the girls were asleep in London and therefore I wasn't missing out on anything. I looked at the clock and laughed; it was 5:30 pm EST/10:30 pm London time.  Asleep?  Yeah, right - not my girls.  

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-12386472868312871562010-09-17T14:02:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:19:48.927-07:00

Right now, four of my dearest friends are gathered in Richmond Upon Thames.  It's 9 o' clock in the evening and I'm sure they are gathered at Abbie's local, enjoying a fantastic pub dinner and a few bottles of Sauvignon Blanc. Abbie's husband, Jamie, is no doubt due to pop in any minute now to join the three Scottish lasses and the lovely South African for a pint (and to try his best to keep

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-80313636701780012752010-09-13T18:04:00.000-07:002010-09-13T18:04:46.805-07:00

It's quite simple, really. If you attempt to follow every suggestion from friends, doctors, websites, lists, cautionary tales,  blah, blah, blah while you're pregnant, you'll go insane. Therefore, my advice to you is this: there are choices that you make that involve a level of risk and there are ones that you make that produce results. In terms of actions involving a risk, such as eating

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-16385737867469674042010-09-12T13:43:00.000-07:002010-09-12T13:43:38.965-07:00

Dear Bebe, Someday, you'll grow up and get married. I hope that happens before I die because let's face it, I'm not exactly a spring chicken (if you decide to wait until you're my age to get married, the chances of me being present significantly decrease, which is why I won't be too opposed to you marrying at a younger age, as long as you're over 21, employed, and have lived with the dude for

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-42794245210127213572010-09-09T05:52:00.000-07:002010-09-09T05:52:56.406-07:00

The first four days of school are behind me; it helped that two were completed last week so I only had to face two this week.  Now, thanks to my Jewish friends (Happy New Year!), I am home until Monday and the weather is beautiful. I'm watching Mamma Mia for the 23942394 time and getting ready to walk for fitness; I may need to take an allergy pill because although the weather is fantastically

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-40161662330630802152010-09-05T05:59:00.000-07:002010-09-05T05:59:59.832-07:00

A year and a week ago, Matty and I were married here,at Armadale Castle ruin on the Isle of Skye.We did it our way, blending the traditional and contemporary.I got ready surrounded by my girlfriends and together, we walked to meet the groom before the ceremony.My bridesmaids and I slipped away from the group and behold, I found my groom.We married underneath this arch, while friends watched and

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-23237835998112934612010-09-03T18:16:00.001-07:002010-09-03T18:16:42.138-07:00

Matty just felt Bebe move for the first time - this moment, Friday, September 3rd, 9:10 pm.

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-15250913048767758772010-09-02T14:14:00.000-07:002010-09-02T14:14:43.725-07:00

I do not handle stress well. When faced with a stressful situation, some people grow quiet and broody; they tend to retreat within themselves and sometimes, they appear to be so calm that it's hard to tell they are stressed. I am not one of those people. No, in addition to the internal struggle, my stress also manifests outwardly and is easily identifiable on sight and as I get older, it's not

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-66916251435900163402010-09-01T14:29:00.000-07:002010-09-01T14:29:43.226-07:00

Fire and Ice SOME say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice,        5 I think I know enough of hate To know that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice. - Robert Frost Today was my first day B2S and this poem ran through my head the entire day. Perhaps it was the oppression of

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-44979245225880951012010-08-31T09:54:00.000-07:002010-08-31T09:54:03.835-07:00

It's here. Tomorrow I go back to school and I'm not mentally prepared - at all. I woke up today with horrific allergies,  probably the worst attack I've had in my adult life: my eyes are swollen shut, my nose has inflated to twice its size, my head is pounding, I'm having trouble breathing properly and I'm starting to break out in welts.  I'm a mess. The allergy medication I took has done

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-59882088375955422292010-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:002010-08-25T17:44:57.931-07:00

Dear Bebe, I can't believe I'm about to say this, but learn to enjoy watching televised sports. Your dad will help with this, don't worry; he's already looking forward to turning you into a Cowboys/Mets/Rangers/Rutgers/PGA/World Cup fan and he's even put in a few requests for little co-ordinating outfits for you so he can dress you for each event accordingly. Your dad and I were both big

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-45867585164984496142010-08-22T18:00:00.000-07:002010-08-22T18:00:18.547-07:00

Dear Bebe, Someday, unless you're really lucky and find a cash cow to finance your lifestyle (and hopefully that of your parents), you'll be forced to enter a life of servitude, commonly known as the work force. I suggest that you put this off for as long as possible or avoid it entirely. There are several ways of doing so: remain a student for as long as possible (a scholarship student, mind

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-66146044452268480722010-08-21T12:30:00.000-07:002010-08-21T12:30:18.160-07:00

I'm thinking of re-directing my blog focus and using this forum as an ongoing letter of advice to my future daughter. Here is my first bit: Dear Bebe, When backpacking through Europe with your girlfriends (which you are free to do once you graduate high school), abstain from arguing with Czech taxi drivers over the fare.  Specifically, after the driver spits in your face, refrain from kicking

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-19951175573136968232010-08-16T04:29:00.000-07:002010-08-16T04:29:19.289-07:00

Good morning, Tobermory.This was the third stop on our Scottish adventureand the setting of Lynsey's wedding.  We arrived on the Tuesday before the Friday ceremony and quicklyfell in with new friends.  On Wednesday morning,we hiked the muddiest trail I've ever been on to a lighthouse, where we met up with the groom's sister,brother-in-law, and niece and nephew. Leave it to the Swiss to hike a

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-80887186316998888012010-08-14T12:25:00.000-07:002010-08-14T12:25:13.377-07:00

Pregnancy has made me very unmotivated.I'm not sure if it's the hormones, the lethargy, or the lack of Adderal in my system but something has turned me into a slug andI'm not at all happy about it. Instead of motivated, I'm anxious and guilt ridden, worrying all the time about what I'm not accomplishing instead of enjoying what I am (which isn't much, except growinga human being inside of me). 

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-65130515962475415862010-08-11T01:24:00.000-07:002010-08-11T01:24:35.668-07:00

This afternoon, we're catching a ferry to Mallaigso we can catch a train to Glasgow, followedby a bus to the airport where we'll be stayingat the very chic Holiday Inn Express in orderto catch our flight back to Newark tomorrow. It's quite a journey home and I'm sad to seeour time in Scotland come to an end but I'mreally excited to get back to Headquarters and comfort Pinkerton, who, despite

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-31329140893964476682010-08-10T01:41:00.000-07:002010-08-10T01:42:35.513-07:00

Dearest Reader: I can't believe it's been nine days since my last post; I thought I would have morewi-fi access (and motivation) to blog on this tripbut instead, I've been happily making new friends like these Ba Ba Black sheep: and having new adventures, such as the oneyesterday on the Glenelg Skye Ferry: We have had an fab time island hoppingand spending time with our amazing friends.My

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-57642037671640644322010-08-01T23:37:00.000-07:002010-08-01T23:39:21.541-07:00

Greetings from London! We arrived at Heathrow Sunday morning and were met at the gate by our dear friends Cliff and Yolandie.  Usually,I make my way from airports to flats via public transport; there is nothing better than an airport pick-up when traveling abroad - what a treat! London is divided into villages and theirs, Hackney, is tucked delightfully in the heart of the East End, near what

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-20417124757884430302010-07-29T05:45:00.000-07:002010-07-29T11:42:40.339-07:00

I'm not a big fan of the "belly shot";it makes me super uncomfortable and personally, I think it's kind of creepy.But yesterday I went dress shopping forthe umpteenth time in an effort to findthe perfect frock for the wedding of the centurythat is taking place at this amazing venue:Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull It was an effort to find a dress that fit mypregnant self: I'm almost 5 months and

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037537594808278814.post-83847425970826490062010-07-28T06:56:00.000-07:002010-07-28T07:03:14.143-07:00

My bloggy friend Ashley has been posting some prettyimpressive pics of her Alaskan hikes, so I thoughtI would reciprocate with a few pics of my morningwalks for fitness; I like to call it Hiking, Hoboken Style:My favorite place to walk in Hoboken is on the campusof Stevens Institute; it definitely has the best view in the Mile Square City.  This pic shows lower Manhattan on the left,and Jersey

C'est Moinoreply@blogger.com1