Project Mom: Life is a Highway

July 26, 2010

in Adventures in NYC,California,City Life

When I think back to my life a year ago, I feel like I was a completely different person.  A different mother, a different wife, a different daughter.  Before my family uprooted and left everything remotely familiar to live in Manhattan, I was a fraction of the person I am today.

Life was  a diluted version of what it is now.  I was a diluted version of who I am now.

I have always been passionate but lacked the confidence to really put myself out there.  I went to fashion design school because I was artsy and gifted but ended up working in the accounting department of a law firm.  I played the violin and guitar for years and eventually put them both in their cases for good.  For most of my life it seems, I’ve been in search of myself.  Even when I had my children, I felt that my life filled with purpose, yet I was still missing something: Me.

Almost a year ago we sold our cars and drove a U-Haul to New York City, filled to the brim with everything we owned including our goldfish, Bob.   I was fearful of the big city, but most of all I was fearful of raising my children in such an insanely urban lifestyle,  away from our family and everything we knew.

During this time I also started a blog to document our transition so that our family could keep in touch.  What has happened as a result of this has been truly mind boggling.  Once we moved and I continued to write about our new city life, I started to get invited to participate in events.  I was asked to interview Mariska Hargitay’s husband, Peter Hermann for an event about teen domestic violence. Through these events and the online world, I began to meet friends and fellow bloggers  here in the city and all around the country. I found my voice through writing, and my confidence through fighting through the fears of uncharted territory.

I took a risk by moving to Manhattan and what has transpired though blogging about it has lifted me up, guided my way through the unknown, and inspired me to continue to use my voice and creativity.

I think my story is interesting and believe people would enjoy hearing it, even if I’m not riddled with the drama that usually comes with reality television.  I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and it just goes to show that New York City truly is the big city of dreams.

This is a submission for Project Mom, casting for a reality television show highlighting bloggers.  I’ve always thought this would be a fantastic idea and am interested in being a part of it because of what blogging has done for my life.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Posterous
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Tumblr
  • Kirtsy
  • MySpace
  • Technorati
  • del.icio.us
  • Google Bookmarks

{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }

LisaB (LadyWanderlust) July 26, 2010 at 3:46 am

I am amazed at just how awesome you are. The simplicity of your blog and its honesty is what I like about it! Keep going the direction you are going, but it looks good on you! ;-) HUGS, Lisa

Reply

Elise July 26, 2010 at 3:48 am

You go! We are happy to have you here and you have been a fantastic addition to the Big Apple. The show would be lucky to have you;)

Reply

Carol @NYCityMama July 26, 2010 at 3:48 am

Bravo! Good luck! I have loved watching you flourish into this amazing woman so sure of her self and her voice. I love being your friend! Good luck!! It would be awesome to see it happen for you!

Reply

Helene July 26, 2010 at 4:05 am

Congrats, Jessica!! On your new blog, and finding your beautiful voice! :) You deserve all that comes your way!

Reply

Sue Robinson July 26, 2010 at 4:06 am

So proud of you and I always knew you had a blog inside you! See you very soon…

Reply

Lish July 26, 2010 at 5:20 am

Thanks! I needed this today. I’ll be joining you in a week and half, and I can’t decide between nervous and excited.

Reply

DaDa Rocks! July 26, 2010 at 5:52 am

One day I know I’m going to be able to say I knew Jessica when…. reach for the stars and you may just get your dream :)

Reply

Kelly Bergin July 26, 2010 at 11:15 am

Very nice! I like the writing here.

Reply

Lisa July 26, 2010 at 11:51 am

Wonderful! Keep on finding that voice and sharing it with us. I love your blog and the new design. Oh, by the way, this is Lisa from EVO. We were in the vlogging workshop together.

Reply

designhermomma July 26, 2010 at 12:11 pm

yes. if you were selected, I would even get cable back just to watch you. I am super fascinated by your life (in a totally non-creepy way of course). Hope you’re chosen!

Reply

marinka July 26, 2010 at 1:14 pm

You would be fantastic on the show. Fantastic.

Reply

Becca July 26, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Great entry! Here’s to the “drama-less” moms who also have a lot to offer to this show! I’m a transplant FROM NYC…I think you’re lucky to be raising your kids there! Good luck!

Reply

Miss Britt July 26, 2010 at 1:26 pm

For someone who wants desperately to live in Manhattan someday, what you have done is incredibly inspiring.

Reply

Christy July 26, 2010 at 1:34 pm

What a beautiful post. I love connecting with bloggers who write to share their experiences, rather than just for the freebies. Nice job!

Reply

mel July 26, 2010 at 3:29 pm

I think you are amazing and would be awesome for the show!

Reply

Rachel July 26, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Good luck! I enjoy your blog. I love that you are a positive voice for being a mom in New York, one of the few that I hear.

Reply

melissa July 26, 2010 at 9:07 pm

you rock!
awesome post!

Reply

harriett July 26, 2010 at 10:53 pm

Beautiful and truly honest words. So great to hear your voice singing so clearly and confidently. Love to see you believing in yourself and reaching for those stars.
Good Luck Jessica!!

Reply

Elissa July 27, 2010 at 2:11 am

Here’s what I like about your Project Mom submission vs others I’ve seen/read: it’s authentic without being preachy; you don’t claim to be a spokesperson for all moms; you still possess a vulnerability in your writing even though you are growing everyday in your journey as a Mom. In the world of mom bloggers, it’s hard to be original…and you definitely have that working in your favor!

Reply

jessica July 27, 2010 at 12:38 pm

I’m positively humbled by all of your responses. Thank you all so much for your honesty and kind, supportive words! Truly, I’m blown away.

xx Jessica MGC

Reply

Jessica July 27, 2010 at 2:39 pm

I’m always inspired by your blog. I used to work in the entertainment industry (before having kids), which was exciting and different everyday. My life now often feels very ordinary; although I chose to be home to raise my kids. When I read your blog, I feel that I can still have an awesome and interesting life by just going for it. ~Jess in So. Cal

Reply

Elaine July 27, 2010 at 3:45 pm

I love your story from here and I’m guessing I’d love it even more on t.v. Good luck!! :D

Reply

Loukia July 27, 2010 at 3:54 pm

Yay Jessica! Loved reading this. SO excited to meet you NEXT WEEK, roomie! For real… so excited! :) Good Luck, honey! I just wrote my submission for this late last night… phew!

Reply

Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) July 28, 2010 at 2:07 am

What a fantastic story – way to go!! I am not sure I could be so brave!

I LOVE the name of your blog. Just LOVE it!

Would love to interview you at BlogHer for our site. I will be the one with the identical twin and a camerawoman. :)

Reply

Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) July 28, 2010 at 2:09 am

What a fantastic story! Way to go. I couldn’t be so brave I don’t think!

I LOVE the name of your blog. Just LOVE it!

I would love to interview you at BlogHer – I will be the one with the identical twin and the camerawoman!

Reply

Kristen July 28, 2010 at 5:54 pm

Love your new design and I totally think you would be perfect for this. Good luck!
I’ll be in your city for some parties this next week. Can’t wait to experience NYC :)

Reply

Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation July 29, 2010 at 5:20 am

Good luck!!! You are awesome! I really LOVE your new blog look by the way!! Very fancy yet simple!

Reply

Leave a Comment

{ 1 trackback }

Previous post:

Next post: