Of Mice and Men

We are currently suffering from one of the (less than lovely) afflictions that plague 'Big City' residents. 

We have mice.

My daughter watches Tom and Jerry, and I've got to say I'd take cute little cartoon Jerry any day.  Let me explain something about myself .... I don't do rodents, bugs, farms, wild animals or the outdoors in general.  I am struggling with this new development.

We had mice once before, when we lived in London, Ontario.  These aren't any ordinary mice, though ... these are NYC mice.  They're at the top of the 'Mouse Foodchain', and they are smart, fast, and they may or may not be able to levitate.

We caught one last night, and (naively) I believed this was the end of the mouse issue.  We'd spent a week trying to catch this little sucker - setting peanut butter covered traps at night to wake up to an empty, peanut butter-less trap.  (Hence, my levitation theory.)

It was less than an hour ago that I saw the next little varmint darting around a cupboard and disappearing.   Once I got back down off my stool, I called the hubby to let him know, and then I left the kitchen.  Cleaning will have to wait. 

My daughter knows that we've been looking for a mouse, but because of her love for Micky and Jerry, I don't have the heart to tell her that Mommy is playing for keeps.  (And when I say Mommy, I mean strictly in an advisory capacity ... The field work on this project belongs to my husband.) 

It's my fondest hope that at the very least, we took out the ring-leader - the brains of the operation - and now all that is left is for us to set up some cleverly placed spring traps and sticky paper, and watch the rest follow suit.

Unfortunately I have a sneaking suspicion that these mice haven't survived NYC exterminators for nothing.  They're like the Elite Mouse Commando Force.  The Black Helicopters of the mousing world. 

Wish us luck .....

Now entering ....

Well, now I've done it.  I've crossed a threshold I swore I'd never cross all those many years ago when the first blog was written - back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  I am now a blogger.

I've avoided the 'blogosphere' mostly because I've had a deep, visceral dislike for the word 'blog' ever since it was coined.  That's right - I remember a world before blogs, blogging, bloggers ... It's only my first post, and I've already dated myself. 

Since it's become apparent to me that the word 'blog' is here to stay, I've decided to get over it, and ride the wave of over-sharing.  (Be comforted in the fact that I have no intention of sharing any photos taken during or immediately after the delivery of my lovely daughter.  Ever.)

In truth, I've always had a certain grudging admiration for successful, prolific bloggers.  I have enjoyed recipes, travel advice, parenting advice and many good laughs as a result of witty, intelligent blogging.

Unfortunately for the both of us, I can't promise 'witty and intelligent' blogging.  At best, we'll have to settle for honest and slightly sarcastic.

Why did I decide to start blogging now?  Good question.

It may have something to do with my family's recent relocation from Canada to New York City.  It may simply be because I've been inspired by other working mom bloggers to share some of my own stories, or it might simply need to be chalked up to narcissism, but I am excited to share my adventures with you, and I look forward to hearing from you, too.

Until next time!
Manhattan Mommy