I'm having some technical difficulties on the 21st floor today. My iPhone's screen is black, although it rings, and I am waiting for the battery to die out before I try to recharge it and/or head down to the Apple store. I also left my glasses in the rental car last night, and although I'm not that blind I like to have them to read.

And without glasses, I can't even think about tackling the Sunday New York Times or the FT Weekend, which are still folded neatly on the coffee table.

That said, amuse yourselves with the following video until I get my act together. I'm not a die-hard Monty Python fan by any stretch, mostly because I am neither British nor male. When I worked at the AP there was a guy in the newsroom who would orate The Four Yorkshiremen when things got slow. Good times, good times.

Papa Bear And His Cub

, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

They're like twins!

And good for Andre for being able to hold up his giant head.

Leave it to Nova to make a documentary about raising a statue on Easter Island action-packed, but they did.

Lots of other good Nova specials on its Hulu channel. My inner dork is rearing its head.

Who Needs A Babysitter When You Have Peppe?

, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

He decided to take his afternoon nap with the boy yesterday. There is something very Old Deuteronomy about that orange Persian.

(And that will be the last of my Krazy Kat Lady references this week. Promise.)

I love her. I wish I was passionate about anything the way she is about cat massage.

The craziest part is that someone is actually married to this woman. Every pot has a lid.

Two Must-Watch Videos

ABC News ran a story last night about acid attacks in Bangladesh.

On a lighter note...

8-Bit Trip: Is a stop-motion animated music video produced by the Swedish band Rymdreglage. Production of the video, which features a variety of LEGO blocks recreating characters and moments from classic video games, required 1500 hours to create and shoot.

The Captain

DSC_0077-2, originally uploaded by thomasr9.

Follow This Man On Twitter

73-year-olds say some pretty ridiculous things. A guy named Justin Twitters the genius that comes out of his aging father.

Saturday Night Photos

It's Saturday night and I'm sitting on the bed waiting for Andre to fall asleep next to me. Such a charmed life. And now complete with more photos!

This bubbled up from Liz's wedding from a few weeks ago. Don't we clean up nice!


This morning TR, Andre and I walked a six mile loop during Summer Streets. One of the stops along the way was a Colombian coffee booth that offered free coffee and a real life Juan Valdez! Everyone stopped to take a Polaroid with him. But where was his mule? I think this should be my Christmas card.


A six mile walk is not going to get the junk out of my trunk, so I topped it off with a three mile run in the evening. Friends have been e-mailing lately and asking how I can stand running in this humidity? I love it and have been doing it for years. You have to drink a lot of water throughout the day and then a Gatorade beforehand usually helps as well. Afterward you'll look like I did tonight:


And no, I have no shame, obviously. I'm sure La Madre will have plenty to say about all these sweaty photos I've been posting lately. I promise not to post anymore, since they're all pretty much the same. But a good sweat like that is 100% awesome and good for you. Try it!

, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

Oh, Valentino. What he lacks in intellect he makes up for in charm.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Missy Piggy was recently spotted at Marc Jacobs showroom in Soho - going over looks for NY's Fashion Week. The two just collaborated on a couture gown (pictured) for Miss Piggy, which she'll be wearing this week to Glamorama in Chicago. Photo Credit: Marion Curtis/StarPix

I'm not sure who this is supposed to be PR for: The Muppets? Marc Jacobs? New York Fashion Week? But a publicist just sent this over to me. It's August and hot out I have nothing better to offer today, so...enjoy.

Am I the only one who thinks that it doesn't matter what episode of The Simpsons is on, as long as there is one on it's a half hour well spent? (And thanks to Hulu, this Stay At Home Mama has watched quite a few.)

This scene is a great take on the Big Brother scene from 1984, which Apple used back in 1984.

Two Months Of Andre!

Since it was so hot out today I stayed in and took a bunch of photos of Andre and I. He's two months old! Next stop: college.

Ladykiller. Yes, I realize he looks nothing like me. Nice job cloning yourself, TR.

After spending the morning organizing a closet, which was a mammoth effort in and of itself, I decided to check my e-mail. Andre, who lately has insisted on being held At. All. Times, decided that my lap would be the perfect place to nap.

Please, make yourself comfortable

August Nights = Perfect Running Weather

I just got back from a 3.25 mile run in the East River Park on this perfectly humid August night. Hot by day = perfect running weather at night, especially along the water where there was a nice breeze and plenty of choppers taking off and landing. I was out there with lots of other people, mostly young men who work in finance and live in buildings such as The Rivergate and The Anthem. Ladies, if you're looking to pick up, the East River Park after 6:00 p.m. is the place to be. You're welcome.

I'm also beginning the to think that the creepy men who claim to be fishing along the river are really just checking out all the sweaty women running along the path. Not that I'll ever understand the attraction of watching women jog. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Somewhat related: This morning I opened my inbox and there was a weekly bulletin from Babycenter, advising me on what to expect from my two month old. Their e-mails are very helpful, but today there was a strange passage that I had to read out loud to make sure I was understanding it:

Congrats! You've made it to the two-month mark. If you haven't ventured out alone yet, it's probably time to give it a shot. It's healthy for you to take a break, and it's also good for baby to meet new people. Entrusting baby to someone else for the first time can be scary, so make sure you already know the caregiver.

Um, if you've gone two months and haven't left the house at all or by yourself, you may want to be checked for depression. I realize not everyone lives in Manhattan, where walking and getting out is necessary for basic day to day living, but wow. Are there really mothers out there who won't leave their kid with someone else...not even for an afternoon?

At one of the weddings a few weeks ago there was a couple that I've known since high school who have a little girl. The wedding was their first outing alone, in a year since the baby was born. As you all know, I leave the house on a daily basis and don't have an issue with leaving my kid with someone if it means I can hang out with other adults, and if I'm lucky, a bottle of wine. Maybe I'm being insensitive, but why on earth would you not want to go out on your own, sans baby? As long as the kid isn't living in a plastic bubble and being fed through a tube, surely a few hours away would do all parties involved a favor.

Happy Monday, everyone. If we all try to be a little bit more like Don Draper, the world might be a bit more interesting.

Two months after having Andre, the dust has settled and sleep deprivation is controlled. That said, it's time to get in shape.

Two weeks before delivery, the last time I was weighed, I was 202 pounds. (!?!?) 10 of that was obviously Andre. A few days ago I weighed in at 175, which is still eye-popping and slightly shameful for me, but at least it gives me something to work with. Most of it is in my rear end. I have to lose 25 to 30 pounds in order to be back to what I was before. Luckily, I like to run, and losing weight via running is quick and dirty. I figure that by Halloween I should be looking human again.

Two nights ago I went for my first run in over eight months. It was a rough two miles, but it was a start. This time last year I was running 10Ks! Baby steps, I suppose. The sky looked like it was going to crack open at any second.


The good news is that when I run in the evening the choppers are landing and taking off from the heliport, which is nice. I love choppers. If anyone would like to take me for a ride in theirs, I will be an enthusiastic guest.


TR, Andre and I are off to Summer Streets again, this time taking on uptown. It's a good way to get the metabolism humming again. Most of my old clothes fit me now, but it's a slippery slope until you're wearing these:

Far too often I look into Andre's crib and I find Valentino in there, curled up with a stuffed orangutan. It was initially intended for Andre, but Val has claimed it for himself. Such an oddball, that cat.

Note to self: Never take in another scruffy, stray kitten.

The Best Lookin' Family In NYC

Summer Streets had little photo booths set up along the path, and we got a few shots taken. Andre, who was due for a lunchtime snack, was feeling a little camera shy. At least he wore his favorite "I Heart NY" onesie.



Don't cry for me, little Andre

Average Manhattan Rentals -- July 2009

Average Manhattan Rentals -- July 2009, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

Based on closed deals.

All In A Day's Work...

This is part of an actual e-mail that I had to send to someone about an apartment that they oversee who needs my help in finding a new tenant:

"I'm not sure if you're aware, but the one drawback to the apartment is that there is someone who lives on the floor who clearly has a lot of cats, and some days the aroma of cat litter is quite strong in the hallway, which can be a dealbreaker. There's little that can be done about that, but it's something that may hinder finding a new tenant quickly."

I'm a big fan of Gary Vaynerchuk, and I love this video about investing time in people you want to do business with. It seems really obvious, but I think in this age of e-mail and all kinds of social media, it's easy to forget to pick up the phone and actually talk to people, much less take time to meet up with them. My boss is always telling us to get off the e-mail and get on the phone if we want to close more deals, and she's 100% right. Face time means a lot. Don't be shy!

Multitasking

Multitasking, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

And the crazy part? Andre loves it in his lap. He'll fall right to sleep without a fuss.

Your Own Personal Soul Train

Monday morning got you down? I hear ya. In honor of an uneventful Monday morning, I thought I'd put up clips from some old episodes of Soul Train. They have a whole channel on You Tube which includes surprises such as footage a 19-year-old Al Sharpton, Jackson family home videos and early New Edition interviews.

You can't watch these and and still be grumpy. People just don't dance -- or dress -- like this anymore. Le sigh.

This is The O'Jay's "Love Train," whicxh features a young Fred Barry of "What's Happenin'" fame.


"Ballero" by War is an underrated song.

Get Out Of The House! It's Summer Streets!

TR had the idea to get up early this morning and take advantage of Summer Streets, which is when Park Avenue is closed from 72nd Street all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge. Biking, jogging and rollerblading are all encouraged, so we packed up Andre and off we went -- from Murray Hill to Chinatown!

You can read more about Summer Streets and the whole New York 400, Holland on the Hudson program here.

Full set of my photos here.

First things first: my morning coffee in the perfect August weather.


Modern fatherhood: Real men push the pram.


This young entrepreneur/philanthropist on Lafayette Street sold two kinds of lemonade, which was quite good, and will offer baked goods next week. Even better: a portion of her profits are going toward a local school's autism program.


Who knew there were so many bicycling enthusiasts in NYC?


Pimp your ride


Andre and I on Spring Street


Dance class on 11th Street


Slumming on Park Avenue. Next time I'll use a flash.


The best part of Summer Streets is that you can walk over the bridge around Grand Central Terminal. If you're a dork about New York City, like I am, this sort of thing is fascinating.


I never knew there was a statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt here. Mostly because taxis speed by it way too quickly.


You can thank Jackie Kennedy for saving this. It almost went the way of the old Penn Station


How else could I ever get a shot like this?


Dwarfed by Gotham


I've never seen Park Avenue without traffic. Well, not in the middle of the day.


Next week we're going to walk up Park north of 42nd Street, all the way up to Central Park. I expect much more aggressive bicyclists uptown. Stay tuned!

I Think Milla Jovovich And I Have The Same Russian Mother

I can't embed the video but this link hits very close to home. Ha.

Just today I was reminded to "do some sit ups."

P.S. Milla Jovovich is awesome.

Happy Wednesday -- Let's Start With Some Andre

I'm up early and properly caffeinated. Let's start with some pics of Andre, because he's always a good time.

I have my first real appointment with a client on Friday, which I am very excited about, because it means I get to use my brain for something other than housework. Navigating the whole job/baby issue is new for me, and there are lots of kinks to work out. Luckily, most people like to look for apartments on weekends, when TR is around.

Andre on the Metro North last Friday afternoon. I get the same expression on my face when I have to take the train.

Peppe On Hind Legs

, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

Ever since he got his lion's cut Peppe has been full of energy and vim. Now it seems he's trying to hold himself up on two legs. What's next, developing opposable thumbs?

It's Christine And Mike's Wedding!

Another weekend, another wedding! This week my old skool friend Christine, who truly knows where all the bodies are buried, married Mike, who went to elementary school with me. That means that their wedding turned into an informal high school/town o' Norwalk reunion, which was a nice change of pace. Everyone looks pretty much the same, and I'm happy to report that no one's put on an embarassing amount of weight or lost all their hair. Good job, kids!

The day was plagued with torrential rains and a band that didn't show up until almost 10:00 p.m. (The reception started at 6:30 p.m.) But thanks to an 11th hour call to a DJ and a bar that never stopped serving, everyone had a great time. Congrats, you two! I think you just might make it...

Full set here.

The church in Wesport. It was one of the few weddings I've ever been to that actually started on time. No one keeps the Episcopal church waiting!


TR and I, windswept and damp from the downpour that hit right before the ceremony. In our haste, he left his tie in the car and he felt naked.


No turning back.


Here comes the bride!


Serious train.


Carey et moi, killing time before the reception.


Cate, another friend who dates back to sixth grade, circa 1988


Christine left flip flops in the bathroom for the ladies to take in case their feet started to hurt from dancing. Genius.


Speaking of, here we are in the ladies' lounge. It's the only place to catch a moment with the bride.


Two attractive people. TR snagged a tie from a guest who had an extra and he felt balanced once again.


Romantical


Little starfish


The cake: Pineapple carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Incredibly good. I almost ate the extra slices left at our table, but that would have been gauche. Then again, why waste perfect good cake?


First dance.


My feeble attempt at an artsy shot, if blurry and overexposed counts as artsy.


I got my hands on a bridesmaid's bouquet


Bridesmaids


I think this should be Christine's Christmas card.


If you're going to cut a wedding cake, please be civilized and wear a jacket.


Matt, Neal and Cegs, all guys from high school.


End of the night, and still looking sharp.