4. Jersey Girl

Over the years, I've heard all kinds of jokes and insults about New Jersey--that it's the "armpit" of America, it smells like a garbage dump, has excessive traffic, and its residents are just like the Sopranos. While I agree with the traffic comment, there are a lot of misconceptions about New Jersey. I find that most people who look down on Jersey are the same ones who have only passed through on their way to New York or who have spent a long layover in Newark Airport. If my only exposure to this state was the Garden State Parkway or the NJ  Turnpike, I would think this place was a hell-hole too.

But I've always loved the Garden State for its diversity--lots of different people and a variety of things to do. Those of you who have never been here probably don't know much more than the fact that we're next door to Manhattan. But we are also known for our beautiful beaches, colorful gardens, horse farms and protected wetlands. New Jersey's northern mountains often surprise people who don't expect to see sharp rock cliffs and gorgeous green valleys. We also have Atlantic City--the casino town that gave its street names to the popular Monopoly board game. We have salt water taffy, boardwalks and the most diners in the country. Our state fruit is the blueberry and our vegetable is the tomato. And rightly so, as we have amazing Jersey tomatoes in the late summer. We are home to the mythical Jersey Devil and we have a rich history as one of the original thirteen colonies. George Washington made his famous Delaware River crossing here during the Revolutionary War in 1776. 

There are always things to criticize if you want to but I've been spending a lot more time lately thinking about what I love about where I live. I try to notice the green everywhere as I'm driving to and from work. I take extra time to head to the beach to watch the waves. And I've been delving into a bit more American and New Jersey history to learn the things I either missed or wasn't paying attention to in grade school. 

What are the things you love about where you live? If you were to "stop and smell the roses," what would you notice about your surroundings that, perhaps, you ordinarily ignore? What are your favorite sights, smells and sounds from your neighborhood? Who do you enjoy seeing? It's worth taking some time to appreciate the place where you spend so much of your daily life. Take some time today to notice the beauty in your everyday surroundings.