I'm from New Jersey...

I have some really great memories of growing up there...like playing hide and seek in the cornfield that was across the street from my house. Sitting on the couch with my mom, sister and brother with a blanket over our heads while we looked out the big picture window at the lightning storm with thunder that was so loud is made us scream and jump...that probably wasn't the smartest thing. I remember picking the thorns off of the wild rose bushes and licking the back of them...this made them stick on my nose as I ran around the yard pretending I was a unicorn.

My cousins lived two doors down and when we put our heads together we got very creative. One summer it was really hot and we wished we had a swimming pool. So we came up with trash cans...the really big ones...I remember them being quite clean as we filled them with water and then jumped off a ledge into them one by one. We did this for hours and had a blast. We were always outside and always home for dinner. No watch, no cell phone, no special bell...but always on time.

We lived 15 minutes from my grandparents. They lived in Wildwood, about 2 blocks from the Jersey Shore. It was a beautiful big beach with a fabulous boardwalk. The boardwalk had rides, cotton candy, little touristy shops and the best chocolate covered molasses lollypop I have ever had to this day. Family and friends were abundant...then we moved. I was 11. At some point in my teens and early adulthood when I said I was from New Jersey it seemed as if that was frowned upon. I didn't really understand it...my memories were good ones.

I haven't been back in at least 10 years. I like my memories and New Jersey. I must say though...I am finding it a bit disturbing...because now when I think of New Jersey I can't help but think....

Wait for it....


Jersey Shore! Snooki, The Situation, GTL....oh my gosh...when did this happen? I must say I do like the nickname "Snooki" and the fact that this guy calls himself "The Situation" is kinda creative. This whole "Jersey Shore" phenomena is everywhere...magazines, TV, brought to the attention of our President, heck, they even rang in Wall Street. I'm sitting here shaking my head. New Jersey has changed...my memories remain the same and as long as Lola and Henry don't start calling themselves Snooki and The Situation...I'll remember New Jersey fondly.

Wishing you all a Wonderful Wednesday with no complaints. Here's hoping that Snooki and The Situation end up making a "positive" difference....one could hope!

Jeanette