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Before my Chicago readers and dear friends kill me for this post, this summer will mark my eighth anniversary of leaving the Windy City. I am suffering from melancholy as I am always missing home. We have lived in Tokyo, Singapore, New York City and it’s pretty safe to say that we are making New Jersey our permanent home.
So I take it in stride and although I STILL miss my family and friends in Chicago, I like to stay positive and think about the benefits of living in a different place. I made a list over two years ago about my love for NYC. Here is my list for why I now enjoy New Jersey.
1. The Jersey Shore (not the reality tv show). There are literally hundreds of beaches in New Jersey. I love the fact that we can be looking out into the Atlantic in less than an hour.
2. The proximity to New York City. Our best friends live in Tribeca and Brooklyn. We can be anywhere in the city for top restaurants, museums and Jose’s office in 30-60 minutes.
3. The proximity to Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C…we have made a few short road trips and will definitely do more in the future.
4. My backyard. I will never take outdoor space for granted again. EVER.
5. People like to visit and know they don’t have to stay in a hotel. Our doors are always open and we appreciate that our dearest friends and family have traveled to see us.
6. People are so nice! We have the best neighbors and have met amazing people just through Diego’s school. When you don’t have family around, you really make an effort to develop new friendships and lasting relationships.
7. Driving again. Jose and I didn’t need a car for over five years! Even though it was liberating, eco-friendly, and it saved us money…there isn’t anything like getting in your own car and just going.
8. The diversity. I’m sure it has a lot to do with being so close to major cities, but the diversity in our neighborhood really surprised us. We have Dominican, Jewish, Indian, Argentine, Brazilian, Italian, Filipino and Mexican friends and neighbors!
9. My kids are really happy. Diego loves his school, friends and after school activities. New Jersey is super kid friendly and we really, really love that!
10) We are only less than a two hour flight away from Chicago.
Have you ever moved away from family? Do you like being in different place? Would love to hear!
Your friend,
Betty
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Number 10 is my favorite!
Heather, I knew you would!!
Sleeping Mom: It’s def. hard but we must always look at the bright side!!
We have yet to move away from family; in fact both mine and my in-laws are all here in the same city. I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. I moved from another country to where I am now and that has been an adjustment. But I can’t imagine moving back and am so glad of where I am.
I have some relatives in NJ and when I visited, the place seemed really cool
I love to travel and I can’t wait to keep doing more of it now that my children are a little older. As far as moving away from Chicago? The idea has crossed my mind about how cool it would be to live in a different city, but I think the doctor never cut my umbilical cord because I am still so attached to my mom (it’s bad enough she often vacations to Mexico for upto 3 months at a time) But if my husband ever had to move for work I would be open to the opportunity to TRY something new.
I know what you mean about its important to make friends when you don’t have family around. I know I only live 3 hours away from aurora but I don’t get to visit that often and hanging out with Mario’s friends is not the same as when I get together with mine. This thanksgiving I work Black Friday so can’t even go home
definitely appreciate and miss my family more now that I’m not there.
Alyeska! You are young and strong! Chin up! Get out there and be social. That is a remedy for the homesick. It’s never the same but you will see how it will also open so many opportunities and perspectives! Hang in there! xoxo