The view of NYC from my 'hood

For the past three years, I’ve lived in an amazing area of Hudson County, NJ.  Alas, my time here has come to an end.

A variety of reasons has fueled the decision to pack it up and move, but the decision wasn’t an easy one.  I’ve come to love my little town within a big city, and have truly made this little slice of New York my home.  I’m leaving behind a lot of people whom I’ve grown very close to, people who’ve not only seen me through some of the toughest times of my life (including one memorable summer which brought the death of a family member, identity theft, a bad breakup and my ex’s subsequent decision to try his hand at a bit of stalking), but have also been right by my side through some very fun moments.

I’d rather not post publicly where I’m headed to (so if you’re a friend of family member, please don’t comment on it); that said, it’s going to be an interesting and exciting move.  I’m looking forward to it, even as I’m a bit sad to see this chapter of my life come to a close.  I’ll be back in NYC regularly, which I think is helping soothe my sadness.

That said, my posting has been rather light this week, as I’ve been dealing with utility issues, my current landlord and packing.  My Internet is getting turned off tomorrow afternoon, but I hope to be back and posting like normal by Monday. As always, I have a LOT to say (including a couple posts on Gym Bag Essentials and Navigating The SPF Aisle). 

Visitors from the far North!

We’ve covered the fine feathers that the fashion industry has offered us for the coming season, but so far we’ve neglected the plumage on the city’s spring visitors.  What am I talking about?  We are now in the full swing of the spring bird migration.  Up and down both sides of the Hudson, there are a slew of waterfowl to be seen just passing through, some of whom you’d have to do some serious travel to see at any other time of year.

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OK, I admit it: I’m B&T.

The GW bridge. Kind of pretty at night, no?

Just to be clear, I’m not of the invade-Murray-Hill-and-Meatpacking-District-every-Saturday/hair-gel-and-orange-”tan” Bridge & Tunnel variety (but wouldn’t a blog written by someone like that be fun?).  Still, I can’t deny the fact that I have two options on my way home: cross the Hudson via a bridge (the GW) or a tunnel (either the Lincoln or the Holland).

I live in glamorous New Jersey for a number of reasons (budget, desire for space, it seemed like a good idea after too much time inhaling the fumes around exit 13A).  And, truthfully, I’ve grown fond of my adopted state.  In particular, my area: Hudson County.

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It’s safe to go to the Jersey shore again (just don’t anger the Guidos, please):

N.J. scraps plans to ban genital waxing

State was set to consider outlawing ‘Brazilian’ waxing after injury reports

The Associated Press

updated 5:22 p.m. ET, Fri., March. 20, 2009

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey is smoothing out differences over a plan to ban bare-it-all bikini waxing.

The state on Friday decided to reverse course on the proposal after angry salon owners complained about losing business ahead of swimsuit season.

“It was an unnecessary issue,” said spa owner Linda Orsuto. “In New Jersey especially, where the government has been picking our pockets for so long, it was like, ‘Just stay out of our pants, will you?’”

The state Cosmetology and Hairstyling Board proposed banning so-called “Brazilian” bikini waxing after two women were hospitalized for infections following the procedure.

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