Author Archives: That Unique* Weblog

About That Unique* Weblog

Adjusting to the car culture, dealing with leaving a career I love, and spouting off along the way.

Glad I Saw It: Tulips

Posted on May 18, 2013

One of my favorite houses in Montclair always has an amazing garden growing. When we first moved here, I used to make the 3/4 mile walk with the kids to their preschool all the time, and we’d pass this house … Continue reading →

Posted in Glad I Saw It, random observation, Suburban Life | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Love is Brewing in Montclair

Posted on May 14, 2013

I love coffee. If I had to choose between wine and coffee, it’d had to be coffee. If I had to choose between chocolate and coffee, it’d be a tougher decision, but I think I’d still choose coffee. And lucky … Continue reading →

Posted in Excellent Local People, Review, Suburban Life, Things I love | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

NJ Senate Law & Public Safety Committee Hears Gun-Related Testimony, part 1

Posted on May 7, 2013

I taught high school for over a decade, so I have some experience with name-calling and attempts at intimidation. It doesn’t work very well, and it’s rarely effective at helping to get a point across.  Also, I have to say, … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, random observation | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

First Weekend in May Brings Out Suburban Weekend Warriors

Posted on May 6, 2013

No need to leave town when you live in mine. Some weekends are comfortable routine, and some are chock full of tantrum-inducing activities. This weekend was exhausting and most excellent - the perfect combination of both. With the Montclair Film Festival … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenthood, Suburban Life | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Preventing Gun Violence In Any Way We Can…Regardless of Politics

Posted on May 1, 2013

I can’t tell you how miserable this video compilation from Moms Demand Action for Gunsense in America makes me.  It’s been an exhausting, educational, heart-wrenching four months since I started working with the NJ Chapter. And somehow, more than other … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Parenthood | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Glad I Saw It: Willie’s Back

Posted on April 29, 2013

We’re used to seeing signs like these in salons, but this one is at an auto shop. Congrats on your popular demand, Willie!

Posted in Glad I Saw It, random observation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Love Thy Neighbor with Italian Pastry

Posted on April 25, 2013

Today is about getting back to hyper-local love. As I came back from the bus stop yesterday afternoon, I saw a crinkly white bag on top of my mailbox. Oh Jeez, I thought, did someone leave something nasty as a “quit being … Continue reading →

Posted in Excellent Local People, People are Good, Suburban Life | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

First Response: Reach Out and Touch Someone

Posted on April 17, 2013

From an apartment on Elizabeth Street, just south of Houston, I tried to contact my friend Eileen after the second plane hit the World Trade Center. I remember leaving a message on her cell phone hoping she was okay and … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, People are Good | Tagged , , , | 41 Comments

Four-Year-Olds Have Access to Guns. Real ones. With Bullets.

Posted on April 9, 2013

I don’t even know what to say any more. I just know that I have to say something. Last night, within hours, I received alerts about two different stories involving preschoolers shooting guns and killing or injuring others. This story … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Parenthood | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Glad I Saw Her: Sonia Sanchez at MADLOM

Posted on April 3, 2013

“Am I late?” I didn’t stand when she walked in. I felt like I ought to. My heart almost jumped out of my chest – but I didn’t stand when she walked in. Instead, close to an hour after we … Continue reading →

Posted in event, Glad I Saw It, random observation, Review, Things I love, yeah write | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments