Just the other day, I was writing a mortgage check to pay for day camp.

Today, Natalie was up at sunrise waiting to get ready for her first day of camp.

She walked downstairs, waited for her bus and got on the bus to Long Island without a problem.

No hesitation.

I was the one who almost cried.

Of course I snapped a photo while we waited for the bus to arrive.

The kid is growing up.

In a few hours, it will be Luke’s turn to leave mama and head off to camp.

But he will be local since he’s only 3.

Harrison is the only one not going to day camp this summer.

I’m experiencing empty nest syndrome way too early people!

Anyone else?

Tonight at midnight – technically the very start of tomorrow – I will shut the door on yesterday and start anew.

There will be a few changes in the coming weeks that will make me very happy.

And we all know when mommy is happy… so is everyone else.

Ha! OK, a girl can wish.

But tomorrow I welcome the start of a new year in my life.

Blowing out some major candles.

I’ve decided that with the extra gray hair that will find its way onto my head, some changes would be made.

Hello, tomorrow.

Can’t wait to see you!

So excited!

I’m sure they are just as tragic as their OC and NYC counterparts but I don’t think I’ll be adding the Real Housewives of Atlanta (or ATL or Hotlanta) to my TiVo line up.

There is only so much privilege I can watch each week. After all, it’s not very easy to escape into their reality when the rest of America is concerned about paying close to $5 for a gallon of gas, over $20 per bag just to fly to Grandma’s house and grocery prices rise daily.

Seriously, when 90% of families worry about putting dinner on the table – watching another set of affluent women who dabble in real estate and spend their hubby’s money is just no longer interesting.

On a lighter note, I was just beginning to get used to the idea that there would be an upcoming season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey that would most likely be in my TiVo line up since well, Jersey is next to New York and it’s always fun to make fun of Jersey. I mean, wait, no… I mean, it’s always fun to watch how people in other homes live.

But ATL? Yawn. I guess I just may not be interested in Atlanta also. Same goes for The Real Housewives of Star Island, Vail, Maui, and wherever else that’s currently in the pipeline.

Yea, I know. I’m awful. Nothing against the housewives of Atlanta, I’m sure they are peaches, but can you fault me?

I’m guaranteed a great night of TV when crazy eyes and the low season travelers are on screen.

You know you feel the same way.

(click photo to visit the Bravo TV website where you can read about the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast.)

What’s the going rate these days for losing a baby tooth?

Like seven bucks right?

Even without Manhattan inflation, it’s got to be more than the four quarters I found under my pillow.

Nat has a lose tooth. Right in the front.

It was only a matter of time before she’d lose a tooth.

And now, I’ve got to decide how much she will be getting.

Just because I live in New York doesn’t mean she’s getting $20 a tooth.

Any ideas?