In just about a week, I will be packing my things and moving out of New Jersey for a while. As this is my last week here, I decided there was no better way to pay homage to my state, then to show everyone what makes it special. To the out-of-state folks, Jersey may seem dirty, scary or undesirable because of popular movies and TV shows, but in actuality, it is a beautiful, magnificent state. Most people call it the arm pit of the country, but I call it home and I am proud of it. If you grew up in New Jersey, as I did, then I'm sure you'll agree that you know you're from Jersey when...
1. You're hungry at 3 a.m. and the best choice of food is your local diner.
Really, the diner is the best choice at any time of day. Jersey diners are truly a beautiful thing.
2. You go out-of-state and everyone expects you to act like "The Jersey Shore" or "The Housewives of New Jersey."
Which is pretty funny since most of the Jersey Shore cast was not actually from New Jersey. Yes, we like to have a good time and yes, we like nice things, and yes, we are loud, but these two shows are the extremes of the Jersey lifestyle. In fact, if you ask most New Jersians, they hate these shows because they put us in such a bad light. (These shows happen to be my faves, but as Snooki puts it, I have issues.)
3. You've had the Taylor Ham / Pork Roll debate at least 50 times in your life.
For the record, it's Taylor Ham.
4. You've had to explain what Taylor Ham / Pork Roll is to the out-of-state people.
The fact that this is only a New Jersey thing is honestly so sad. We're the only human beings that get to taste the magnificent bite of Taylor Ham. It really is such a shame. It's sort of like ham, but better. I always say it tastes like a breakfast ham and a piece of bacon had a baby. It really is a beautiful thing.
5. The battle of North Jersey vs. South Jersey is a real and ongoing thing.
Each side thinks they're the best, each side has something that makes it great. South Jersey has the beaches, North Jersey has New York City. They're both amazing and they both have things that make them desirable. I really don't know why we fight over it. (But for the record, North Jersey is better. Whoops.)
6. Going "down the shore" is a pretty common term that everyone you know uses.
One that is used most frequently in the summer. Going "down the shore" equals going to the beach. It's most New Jersey natives' favorite saying and pass time.
7. You're basically screwed if you eat Italian food outside of the state.
New Jersey has, hands down, the best Italian food you could find out there. You can pretty much assume any Italian restaurant outside of the state will be a slight (OK, huge) disappointment.
8. You also can't get bagels out-of-state.
It's the saddest thing, really. Yes, you can get the generic bagels at the grocery, or there may even be a small, bagel shop 50 miles away, but there is truly nothing like a New Jersey bagel. They're fluffy and delicious and soft and full of goodness. I have yet to find a bagel in another state that is as good as a New Jersey or New York bagel.
9. Or pizza for that matter.
Basically, don't eat out-of-state.
10. Everyone knows that "the city" really means New York City.
It was our backyard, our playground, our birthday party, our new years eve party, our date night, our girls night out and everything in between...and it will always be one of the most beautiful, amazing cities in the world.
11. Ice skating in Rockefeller Center and seeing the huge Christmas tree is an annual holiday tradition.
And no matter how many times you see that big tree, it never ceases to amaze you.
12. You've felt the warmest summers, the coldest winters and some other pretty wicked weather.
(Cough, cough.) I'mtalking to you, Sandy. New Jersey has some of the most bizarre weather. We get hot, we get cold, we get really, really cold. We get hurricanes and sometimes even get tornadoes. We even have the occasional earth quake. It definitely makes living in this state...interesting.
13. But you count down the days to autumn because it's the prettiest and most wonderful time in Jersey.
The rolling hills and mountains dressed in fall colors is truly one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The air is crisp, but still warm enough to enjoy. It is, without-a-doubt, the best time to be in Jersey.
14. Autumn also means its time for the annual pumpkin and apple picking trips!
Which is basically the best event of the year in Jersey! This New Jersey tradition is one that everyone looks forward to. There is truly nothing like going out on the apple orchards on a Sunday afternoon with the family while finding the perfect apples to take home.
15. Finally, no matter where you go, you know you will always be a Jersey girl at heart.
Jersey blood runs in our veins and that will never go away. No matter where we travel to, near or far, we will always be a Jersey Girl. Jersey has made us strong, tough, and able to handle anything. You'll find that anyone from Jersey is the toughest person you know, but also the most caring and the most loving. We were raised to fight big, but love bigger. We are loyal and trustworthy and that will always stay with us.
Thank you, New Jersey. It's been real.
