10 Things I've Learned About New Jersey - Week 1

I've decided to narrow this post down to 10 things instead of the million I had to keep the interest of time. Because ain't nobody got time for that! And quite possibly because that's all I had. But we'll go with the latter!

Before I list what I've learned, I must say that I'm not generalizing or making fun of the people of NJ, this is purely from my perspective (and humor) with no intention of offending or stereotyping anyone. 

Ok, now that that is out of the way. This first week has been QUITE interesting. I always try to keep an open mind when visiting new places, although last season in Canada was an entirely mind-blowing experience. I love seeing new places and meeting new people. You wouldn't think that other states could possibly be THAT different, but trust me, every state I've been just reminds me of how naive I am. Ways of life everywhere are different than the good ol' blooming city of Las Vegas.

Also, I apologize for my lack of pictures this post because I'm literally always driving when I remember to take some, or I Snapchat them and forget to save it. I'm a mess, I know.

1. SO MANY COPS! - If you follow me on Snapchat, then you've already seen and heard about this, but there are literally a million cops. I could say that I have seen more cops in this city in one week, than 1 year in Las Vegas. That says something. Every corner, every street, there is a little white (or big white) cop car waiting to get ya! Do they need to meet their quota or something, because this is crazy!

2. EVERYONE (almost) SPEEDS - Ironic? UM HELL YES. If you're asking why in the world people would speed in a place where cops are like Dunkin' Donut shops around here (coincidence? I think not) I couldn't answer that for you. So naturally, I try to go the speed limit, if not, a max of 5 over. Back in Vegas, my dad would call me Danica Patrick. If you don't know who that is, she's a nascar driver - pretty famous and pretty fast. I don't exactly ever go the speed limit back home, well because....I have no reason or excuse. I'm just a faster driver and always have been. But after seeing how many cops sit around here, I made it a priority to NEVER speed. I mean ever. But when I do that, when I drive like a normal person that is, I find myself the "bus" of the trail of cars. By that, I mean that I'm the one everyone is annoyed with because I'm going "so slow". I haven't had anyone honk at me yet, thank goodness, but people sure like to kiss my butt if you know what I mean. I'll leave it at that.

3. EVERY MILE IS BASICALLY A NEW SPEED LIMIT - I am not exaggerating. The "highways" aren't the same as those in Vegas or California, at least not where we are. They are mainly 2 lanes surrounded by the beautiful green stuff they call trees. Those don't exist in Las Vegas so I'm constantly smelling and staring at them. Forgive my weirdness. One minute, you will be going 35mph, the next minute 45, then 40, then 50. It's a constant change. No wonder there are so many cops. You'll pass by 3 speed limit signs before you even realize you are going 20mph over. The struggle is real y'all.

4. ROAD KILL - First, I must say RIP to the deer and opossum. 1 week out, I saw 4 deer, 2 opossums, and 1 squirrel (or small rodent) resting on the side of the road. Incredibly sad. Signs are posted everywhere to watch out, but the truth is that it is inevitable. "Deer are suicidal" as Ryan likes to say, which isn't far from the realization that they will jump out in front of you going 40, 45, and 50 mph. Its a sad sad reality for these little guys, but I get it. They are hungry, they think they are fast enough, and to be frank, they aren't very smart. RIP.

Click through to read the rest of the things I've learned so far!




5. TRUCKS GALORE - Basically, everyone owns a truck. That's it. If you own a car, you're nuts because there are hills, potholes, and rugged terrain. We are currently driving my Toyota Camry Hybrid. At least we are saving on gas. 

6. NICEST PEOPLE EVER - I haven't met one mean person. I know, that might be hard considering I don't talk to anyone because I don't know anyone, but those who I have come in contact with are EXTREMELY kind. These country folk know how to treat visitors, that's for sure.

7. MOUNTAIN BIKING IS THE REAL DEAL - As you may know, we are staying at a ski resort. However in the summer months, it turns into a super intense mountain biking resort that have legit competitions and such on the weekends. Apparently, this resort was where they held some kind of olympic-type event some years ago and people come from all over just to bike the trails here. I'm telling you, nature is in everyone's veins, which brings me to...

8. ONE WITH NATURE - Hiking trails, biking trails, parks/state parks/memorial parks on every corner. It's been raining a lot the past few days so I haven't had a chance to hike any of them, but the weather is supposed to lighten up this weekend. I plan on getting some serious trail discovering these next few days.

9. PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA - is the main source of food here. This isn't surprising, as we are so close to New York. Plus, New Jersey is known for their good pizza, too. We've only eaten at one pizza joint here so far, but it was good. Ryan got a "white pizza", which I'm not too big a fan of, so I'm hoping to try some really good and greasy stuff soon.

10. AUTO REPAIR/MEDICAL CENTERS/DOG RELATED BUSINESSES - is basically the majority of businesses around here. Seeing as the driving terrain isn't that great, an automotive shop is a good place to start if you want to open a business here. Also, no offense, but this city inhabits the older crowd if you catch my drift, so rehabilitation/medical centers are where its happening. Nothing wrong with being a more laid back and quiet town. Although we didn't bring our dogs (whom I miss terribly), there are a lot of dog-related shops whether that be vets, groomers, boarding, or stores. I told Ryan I could've snuck those two cuties in my suitcase, but he wasn't having it. Next season, mark my words! Our dogs will be coming with us!


The boys are off to Canada tomorrow, and I'm here alone to venture off the whole weekend. Stay tuned to see what's happening in this lovely town of Sussex County! Read the P.S. for a funny story I heard the other day! Xoxo.

Speaking of roadkill on number 4. Ryan told me a funny story the other day. A man called into City Hall (or something like that) wanting to "pick a bone" with them for the deer crossing signs placed all over the city (I don't know which city, but I'm sure if you Googled it, you'll find the official phone call transcript). The official preceded to hear the man's concern. The man was confused at why they were putting these deer crossing signs in high traffic areas and that they should just move the signs so the deers can cross somewhere else less busy. Extremely interested in the man's concern, the official went along and agreed that the man's suggestion was something they would look into. Mind you, this man had stated that he had sent numerous letters and complaints to the Hall, but all went unanswered. I gotta say, this man knows what he's talking about and really wants to save the deer. Can you blame him? LOL. Maybe City Hall should change the sign to "DEERS WILL CROSS HERE BECAUSE THIS IS WHERE DEERS RESIDE". But then, maybe this man will think that they own the houses nearby...