The After

It's October 31, Halloween.

The costumes are ready.
The candy has barely been touched.

However this year, our neighborhood will remain quiet.

Halloween has been postponed until Monday, November 5.

I live in New Jersey.

Add this to the list of things Hurricane Sandy has stolen.

Poverty Beach, Cape May NJ
Courtesy of Exit Zero

We are a state that has it all: gorgeous shoreline, cute suburbs, access to major cities, farms filled with fresh produce,  and one of the most diverse populations.

While many across the U.S. may joke of us, I honestly believe it's out of ignorance.

My New Jersey is a great state.
It boasts colorful scenery.
It's people are smart, dynamic, and strong.
We work hard.
We play hard.
We care.

Our beaches are beloved.

Treasures, I dare say, that many outsiders flock during the summer months. Sand and surf, warm sun on one's shoulders.  There is a place for everyone along our shoreline- couples, families, singles, gay, straight, old, young.

We have a beach for you.

At least, we did before Sandy.

In my little suburban town, we have been very lucky. A good hour from the shoreline, we weren't hit nearly as bad as anticipated. Our street went unscathed. With the exception of a few flickers, power never was lost. No trees or branches down. There were no major catastrophes. My friend eight blocks away still waits for the two trees and wires which have taken residence in the middle of her street to be removed so her power can be restored, but she is seems to be the exception.

School is back in session.
Mail has been delivered.
I just watched as public works tossed large sticks, branches, and other debris from our neighbor's yard into their truck for removal.
Life is attempting to go back to normal,
but how can we?

Not when we can't help but survey the damage that has occurred to these places we love.

Entire communities have been destroyed.

Boardwalks completely swept away.
Sand and water overtaking house after house.
Flooding forcing evacuation.

The storm is over, but it's aftermath is here.

It's real.

South Inlet section of Atlantic City, NJ
Edward Lea, Press of Atlantic City

Halloween is postponed for us this year as many in my State wait.

The Pier at Seaside Heights NJ
Fox 5

Not for trick or treaters or candy, but for the return of power. They wait for permission to return to their houses to survey their homes. They wait for insurance company calls, and promises of money to rebuild.
They wait for the hum of the refrigerator, the flicker of lights, the buzz of the television.

They wait for life to go on as usual, but have no time line as to how this can or will happen.

This Halloween will be like no other, as we in New Jersey recover from hurricane Sandy.

Wondering what you can do to help? 

Donate money here

Do you need assistance? 

FEMA Disaster Aid Registration

Hmmm?

As is Monday, I'm back with the fabulous Stasha and her Listicles. 

This week, she has the ever clever and smart, funny and honest, to be quite frank, my mommy role models: Erin & Ellen  of the Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms picking the topic. The banter they share week in and week out, coupled with their frank discussion of parenthood make them a must read. 

Their topic de jour, 

Things That Make You Go Hmmm? 

Since today brings the beginning of summer, I find it only fitting that my list find it's inspiration within this topic and so I present: 

Things That Make You Go Hmmm....Jersey Shore Edition

1. Why is it the people best built for string bikinis cover themselves up like it's the middle of winter, while those with, how shall I say it nicely, more body mass squeeze themselves into teeny tiny suits?

Regardless, I must commend their confidence. 

2. Why are shoes required for entering Wawa but pants optional?
If you a regular reader, you already know of my love for Wawa, which is a local convenience store who totally should run sponsored ads on my site as their name gets mentioned her often. 

3. How does the Fudgie Wudgie man know the exact moment my child is whining for ice cream? 

How ever he does know this, I am thankful!

Moira after her summer treat

4. How do people NOT KNOW feeding the sea gulls is unacceptable?  

Disease? Filth? Flying rats? 

Anyone? Anyone? 

5. Why come to the beach if sitting under an umbrella, on a chair, while listening to your ipod, and doing paperwork is your plan for the day?

6. What motivates one to plaster make up and complete their entire hair ritual prior to a day in the sand? There are natural elements to contend with, such as wind, water, and humidity. 

7. How is THIS comfortable? 

Buy it HERE

8. Furthermore, how the hell is this comfortable?

source

9. Why did anyone let them onto the beaches of New Jersey?

source

10. Finally, why does the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day seem to fly by so quickly?

There nothing is quite like those moments on the beach. The slight sea breeze, the warm sand between the toes, and that feeling of relaxation that only comes during a shore day. 

Summer goes by much too quickly!

My own beach bunny at her first beach day of 2012.

What makes you go "Hmm?"

Summer Time Snapshots

I must apologize, I've been a bit exhausted recently. My usual writing respite of nap time, has been replaced by actual napping on my part, and thus, my bloggity blog has suffered. But, I'm back! I promise, just in time for:

Stasha's wonderful world of Monday Listicles. This week, as summer slowly begins to creep into our daily lives as the air conditioner gets turned on, the bathing suits are dusted off, and flip flops become standard wear, we are encouraged to write:

10 Favorite Summer Memories 

1. My own Backyard, early 1980's. 

My dad would purchase a pool like this: 

And after setting up a sand bottom, he'd set this puppy up and all summer, my mom, sister, and I would wade. We'd make whirlpools, throw toys at the bottom, and play, with the rare occasion of near drowning tossed in for good measure. 

I remember it the only near drowning occurred when  our neighbor Mary Susan tried to hold Jeanna's head under. 

I can feel the sun, I can hear the radio playing it's steady stream of early '80's pop, and there was no place better to be as a preschooler than your own backyard. 

2. Finding our Hotel: Wildwood NJ, early 1980's. 

We were rebels growing up. 

While most families planned extensive vacations to various points of the Jersey shore, we would pile into the station wagon early morning mid-week. Our suitcases filled with our beachwear in the back, Dunkin Donuts on our lap, as we'd head to Wildwood without any formal plans. We'd drive around the streets looking for motels without the "No Vacancy" sign illuminated. When we'd find a few, it would be up to my sister or I to decide which retro motel we'd spend our vacation? 

Will it be Pink Champagne, with the pink doors & slide? 

What about the Acropolis with it's Greek coffee house and blue & white decor?

The Larkspur? Lollipop Inn? Birds of Paradise? 

We'd never know until we got there where we'd be staying.

3. The Dogwood Parade, mid May yearly 

My hometown has a festival related to a tree. 

For one week, a local downtown park is transformed. Rides, games, vendors, and food take over the park, bringing out some of the most unique individuals around. 

The culminating activity is the parade which occurs the Saturday of the festival, with its queen atop a float at the end. Sitting on the curb, collecting candy, watching the bands and firetrucks, waving to the queen and her court. Nothing says summer is around the corner than Dogwood time. 

4. Sesame Place 

In our matching shirts, the day after Labor Day, we'd stand in the mouth of Big Bird, preparing to enter the world of Sesame. It was the same event for a few years. Riding the rides, seeing the shows, hugging the gigantically large version of our favorite characters. 

I've come full circle now. As a parent, I'm the one manning the camera, snapping the shots of my girls in their matching t-shirts hugging the overstuffed characters. 

5. The Pool, late 1980's- early 1990's

Between 6 and 14, every lazy summer day was spent at our local YMCA outdoor pool. We'd play games, have diving contests, beg our parents for money to buy cheese fries from the snack bar, and then, pretend we were sleeping on our beach towels just as swim practice was to begin. 

6. The Outer Banks NC, late 1980's-1990's

It almost felt like our second home. The unit c-6 that we would rent yearly in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The ocean only parking lot away, we'd spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, reading our books, and occasionally wading in the water. Groups of friends would rent the same week, thus taking over the complex.  Dinner in each unit, then over to the pool, where we'd have pool wide games of tag as our parents sipped wine coolers and beer in the adjacent hot tub. Our last trip, Bry and I dating, in college, drove down ourselves meeting my family a day into the week. Bryan's first real summer vacation. 

7. Cape May, NJ 1990's-early 2000's

Before babies and mortgage payments, before the responsibilities of adulthood, in that time during and just after college, while my peers were doing their own version of "Jersey Shore" Bry and I were enjoy all the best Cape May had to offer. The now defunct Pelican Club & Water's Edge for dinners out. The Washington Inn & the Ebbitt Room for dinner in our early 20's, the youngest diners by at least twenty years. Cape May was our dining playground and in turn, the perfect location for our wedding those years later.  

8. St. Barth's, August 2007

I have only written about this vacation a few times....here, here and here.

I mean seriously, I'll just stop and show the pictures and leave you jealous. 

 Someday....Someday we'll make it back. 

9. North Wildwood NJ, September 2008

I had just gotten over the hump of first time motherhood, when Bry surprised me with a week long rental in North Wildwood NJ. That vacation I felt like I finally got my mommy groove on, and more so, we celebrated as Mo finally slept continuously through the night! I attribute that to the ocean air. 

10. Summer 2012

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here, but I have a feeling this summer is going to be a memorable one. Between day trips to the beach, Sesame Place, the zoo, the playground, and the pool, I do believe we're going to make some fabulous memories. Finally, we're looking forward to the end of August, when it's wedding time in the Land of 'Zilla as my sister Jeanna marries her fiance Ian. I can only imagine the inspiration to come for posts with a bachelorette, bridal shower, and wedding all in the next few months! 

We've started early here, already attending our first festival and had our first beach day. 

Summer is sure to be quite sweet!

What are your plans for the summer? Has your fun already started? 

Linking up as always with Stasha & her Listicles.

Shore to Please

It's Monday!
Of course, you know what that means?
Listicles with the lovely Stasha at the Good Life. This week's list is a good one, inspired by Hopes at Staying Afloat , 10 Things that Make a Perfect Vacation.
Now, inspiration has taken me away, swept me away to the Shore.

The Jersey Shore.

when I write of the shore, my definition includes Seaside and towns south of Long Beach Island.

While there are towns above this point, I have limited knowledge and therefore have not chosen to include them in this piece.

Five Reasons why the Jersey Shore is NOT what you see on MTV

1. Families 

If you head to the beach on any given Saturday or Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, families populate the beaches. Extended families: grandparents bopping their grand babies on their knees while toddlers dig in the sand.  Kids collecting sand fleas and hermit crabs, while the adults sit in their respective chairs drinking and talking.

My family

2. Not Everyone is Italian
nor do they want to be

Cultural pride rings strong at the Shore. However, it's not resevered to singularly to those of Italian descent.   Never have more Irish descendants or those who are Irish for the day,  been in one place, then Irish Weekend  in North Wildwood.  

While no specific days are dedicated to these ethnicities, German, Polish, Slovak, and Greek pride are evident through t-shirts and flags too.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

3. Dress

There are some who dress like they are heading to the clubs. Usually that demographic is categorized to towns such as Wildwood, Seaside, and the like. Visit a few other towns, and you have entered the land of Lilly & Tory,

 Polo & Jcrew.

Don't know these designers?

If you're heading to Cape May,  Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon, or Stone Harbor,

then you better learn!

Think Preppy!
Polos! Pearls! Khaki! Pink & Green!

A lot different then the hair puff & porn star heels.

Bry in his Polo

Me in my Lilly polo

4. Boardwalk

Okay, I will admit the Wildwood boardwalk is very similar to that of Seaside, home to Jersey Shore cast.

BUT, head a few miles up the Parkway and Ocean City awaits.

Those boards are clean and family centric.

There are nights dedicated to families for heaven's sake and the town itself is dry!

No liquor stores or licenses in the entire place.

Clean boardwalk

Family friendly rides

5. Cape May

This town alone serves as the reason why the Jersey Shore is NOT solely confined to the scenes on tv.

Historical the oldest seashore in the country, Cape May takes pride in its history. Weeks dedicated to its Victorian hertiage fill the calendar as its shores are dotted with families and couples. A popular destination for beach weddings and commitment ceremonies, it's venues offer close proximity to the beach. Cape May is filled with small hotels, bed & breakfasts, and large Victorian homes. Bike riders fill the streets as the small, independent shops sell various home wears and apparel.

Hotel Alcott

The newlyweds circa 2005
Cape May

However, I am realist. It isn't all made up. There is truth in what you see on that screen,
and so I offer:

Five Reasons Why the Jersey Shore IS what you see on MTV

1. Tan

Skin cancer is a real threat.

Doctors and other professionals have warned of the ill effects of a suntan. But this does not apply on Jersey shore beaches. Many cannot get tan enough.

Comments such as "You look so much healthier with color."

and "Are you sick, maybe you need some sun." are often regular expressions heard in social circles, including my family. It is bad, yes, but why do I feel so much more attractive with that bit of color?

See that browned leg, that's my mother in law's natural state.
She'd kill me if I put her whole pic on here, but she'd also tell you she's pale.

2. Beach Wear

If you ever feel bad about your body, head to the Jersey shore?

Why?

Because it appears that with the sun, the shore brings out a lot of self confidence.

Skin.

A lot of Skin

Is shown on those beaches, often by those who should keep more to the imagination.

I won't lie. My self esteem does go up after comparing my own flawed body to the others wearing string bikinis and tiny bottoms.

Flattering?
I know, but compared to the people around, I feel fine!

3. Alcohol

The signs displayed at the beach access points warn that alcohol is prohibited, however this is rarely enforced. Frankly, I've never seen anyone told NOT to bring their drink to the beach.  Most coolers (of those families I mentioned in part 1) are filled with wine coolers and beer. Secured in their cozies, alcohol is consumed in mass quantities during a Shore vacation.
Be it at the beach, or on the deck or at dinner or the bar, alcohol is a must have!

4. Attire

While many of the beaches seem to have a dress code of khaki, pink, and green, there are places where the porn star look is embraced. The Wildwood boardwalk is one of those. Skirts covering the bare minimum paired with deep. plunging tanks parade the boards while the guys dress in t-shirts and jeans.
There's also the large selection of "classy" t-shirts available in many of the shops.
Shirts that say stuff like "Slippery When Wet" or "DTF".  

Definitely not my cup of tea, but it's there, for all to enjoy,
And for those of us with children, to explain.





5. People

There are a multitude of families that inhabit the shore.

However, the single scene is still in effect.

Time to bring out the straigtening iron, mascara, and the heels, because it's always ladies night somewhere!

Bars, Clubs, & the Boardwalk offer just the place to stroll, check out the scene and find that special someone for the night, or for a few hours.
One can never go too tight or too short or too tan,
okay, maybe too tight and too short, but defintely not too tan!

source

The Jersey Shore, the place where families and singles can play, drink in excess, and tan.

 I can think of no more perfect place to spend those hot summer days!

Only 6 months, and 14 days until Memorial Day 2012, the offical start of summer at the Shore!

Kicking and Screaming

Do you know what is special about Friday, September 23?

It's the first day of fall.

Which means....

SUMMER is still here!!

Bathing Suits, Flip Flops, Shorts

Burgers on the grill, lemonade, popsicles,

Ocean waves, salty air, warm shoulders in the sun,

Running, Kicking, Jumping through the grass

I love those Summer Days!

Join Shell and I (and some other friends) as we enjoy our Summer Show off at her blog, Things I Can't Say.

 Link up your Summer Fun for a chance to win prizes from Ubisoft.