Helloooo From the Other New Jersey

By Pam

I just want to say that I'm not snookin' in any way, shape or form. The only situation I know is the one I'm in when the bills come due.   People call me by name...my real name, which isn't Theresa, Connie or Angie.

I was born and raised in New Jersey, in the same neighborhood as the Real Housewives of said state, and the same area where The Soprano's stories took place. I spent summers down the Jersey shore as a kid. For all intents and purposes, you'd think I am like the women you've seen on these shows. You'd be wrong, then.  I might be a little neurotic, but I'm no psychopath.

My heritage is Italian and I was taught respect and good manners.  I grew up in a middle class neighborhood in a very nice home. The fear of God was instilled in me at any early age, so if I ever did anything wrong I would pay in Hell.  No one in my family says "ain't" nor do any of the women flip tables. I was taught to be a lady at all times. Well, maybe I missed the lesson that day, but I do conduct myself with decorum in public. I've never gotten into a bitch fight...even in high school. I've never lived near the New Jersey Turnpike, so I couldn't give you directions using an exit number.  I don’t read The Star Ledger.  I DO love a good diner.

I still live in New Jersey, a bit further south than where I grew up. It's beautiful here. There are farmlands with luscious fields and Duke Estates is nearby. We even have a county 4H fair every summer.  With cows, goats and pigs and everything!  Honest!

My New Jersey would never make it to a TV show.  It’s too nice, too friendly; so not the kind of place that would make for good television drama slash chaos.  I’m open to a documentary, though.