I flip-flopped lives - country to city, New Jersey to New York. I spent my first twenty years living on the Jersey side of the river and now that I am across the Hudson, I never want to leave.
My dilemma for this President's Day weekend: Do I travel "home" to my parent's house in New Jersey or do I stay "home" in New York? I was torn.
Having Monday off from my internship, it seemed like the perfect time to go visit my parents, friends, car, and life back in New Jersey. I knew that my father, who dislikes major cities and doesn't understand my love for New York, would appreciate the visit. He even offered to pick me up at the ferry station in order to spare me a trip on the commuter train. Yet, I was reluctant to leave New York. I did not want to miss anything. I did not want to leave the convenience and business of the city. With so much to do in New York, I felt I was wasting a weekend by going home to sit on the couch or drive 40 minutes to a mall. New York is famous for its entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, culture, museums, and transportation. My-middle-of-nowhere home was famous for…trees and bears.
But what the heck? It was only one weekend and I would get to see my parents and friends and lovely little dog, Phoenix. I decided to jump on the ferry and spend three days in the beautiful and attractive state of New Jersey. Within five minutes of arriving home on Saturday night, I looked outside in the backyard to see ten deer walking through the snow, trying to find remnants of hay and grass.
I absolutely love New York. Not really knowing what to expect when I arrived, I immediately grew attached to the unique little stores, the many diverse restaurants, the variety of people, public transportation, and everything else that makes the city unique. As my friend Geoff puts it: In the city, "you have this license to just get out there and explore, all these resources at your disposal, something to do always, something that can fit your every mood or want." In the city, I became attached to constant movement and entertainment. But right then, as I gazed outside into my New Jersey landscape, I realized the beauty of the other side. I was so caught up in the city that I almost forgot that, deep down, I am a country girl. No matter how much I enjoy life in the city, I will always be attached to the smell of cow manure and freshly cut grass.
