This past year brought us many, many changes. A move 500 miles south. A new job. Saying some sad goodbyes. Kindergarten and now first grade for Erin. A new preschool and now Kindergarten for Sarah & Sloane. 2 new preschools for Cole. Year round schools. A new house. New friends. A dog diagnosed with cancer, but treated with surgery.
Maybe not an epic year, but also not a blah one either. So why the return to the blog? I think maybe because this is a milestone week, with Sarah and Sloane turning 5 and Mom turning... well a milestone number. It's interesting, I've found that it's not the age that's bothering me, rather that I'll be celebrating it differently than I would have up north. I'm feeling more nostalgic when Jersey Girl comes on the radio and offer to go on any business trip that takes me to the tri-state area. I miss my lifelong friends, although many are scattered across the country now and have moved with their families just as we have. I miss my goofy cape colonial house with the "boat" neighbors. I miss the Garden State Parkway...mainly because it took me down the shore so many times.
North Carolina is the right place for our family. The amenities are all here, even if the beach is further away now. We have less traffic, more community offerings and a less hectic lifestyle. We've made some amazing friends and love our house. We get to see some of Matt's family more often because they have connections in the area. We can say y'all or you guys and either way someone will smile since there are so many northerner transplants. This week though, I'm going to relish being a Jersey Girl at heart and smile a little brighter when my oldest child says "Mommy, turn that song up.....I'm a Jersey Girl"
