A Few New Jersey Differences

We are finally here. By "here" I mean, "here in our new home, and mostly unpacked, kids in school, and just realizing that we really did make it!"

Our summer has been full to overflowing; its hard to know where to start telling that story.

One thing that stood out as we look on our transition to New Jersey is how different life and culture here in South Jersey is from what we knew and experienced back in Arizona.

Its not too much an exaggeration to say that while the two states claim to be in the same nation, there are some very distinct differences that can not be missed.

Here is a quick list of some things that come to mind that make NJ different from Tucson:

1. If you hesitate more than a split second at a stop light in NJ, be ready to be honked at by the guy behind you. Hesitate a whole second and watch for the one finger salute.
2. It is already cold in September, but the Jersey folks don't seem to realize it.
3. We've discovered something called Humidity. It's very interesting. For example, dishes have to be dried with a towel in NJ. They don't just air dry. This has caused much frustration amongst the children. Likewise, bathing suits that have been used in the morning, are not ready to be put back on in the afternoon.
4. Not a single road in NJ is straight. Not a one. Each one has at least five different names, with a new name being given to the road if you travel on it more than a mile. (Even our GPS gets confused. She endlessly says, "Recalculating...Recalculating..." At least she doesn't cry like some of us do!)
5. No one from NJ likes living in NJ, but they stay, because if they move out of the state, they have to pay an extra tax.
6. 65 degrees with 80% humidity is way hotter than one would think especially when doing any sort of physical activity.
7. In NJ, black 5+ ft snakes like to live in basements.
8. In NJ, one goes to the shore, not the beach. Once you are at the shore, it is acceptable to say that you are "going to the beach."
9. There are more people named Vinny or Gino than Juan or Carlos.
10. One hasn't had true pizza until one has experienced it made by someone named Vinny or Gino and is from South Jersey.
11. There is no North Arizona and South Arizona. Here, one must not confuse North Jersey and South Jersey.
12. Most people from AZ didn't even realize the state had a football team until last year. In South Jersey, people don't realize there are other teams besides theirs. The Eagles is a way of life, it runs in the blood. Root for any other team, and you might get that one finger salute again.
13. People in NJ are very aware of history. In AZ, most people are trying to forget history and are more focused on finding the best golf course, hiking trail, or a good reason to take a trip to California.

With all these differences--some more serious than others--we've learned to smile and try to go with the flow...most of the time. We are also thanking God for our new home, because even with all the differences, we're learning to love South Jersey.