fist pumping at the shore

not really. but as close as I'll ever get.

Just returned from a quick (too quick) 24 hours in New Jersey where I was visiting my dear Jackie (who I met studying abroad in London). In fact, she was the first person I met there... she and her dad and brother were checking into the dorms at the same time I was, and her brother helped me carry my bags up to my room. Jackie is one of the few people who I can freely talk about my study abroad adventure with, seeing as she was involved in pretty much all of it. From our historic London walking tours with Mary Carroll, Bavarian beer challenge tour in Munich, romantic trip to Paris, 2-day rendezvous in Berlin, and week-long Italy trip.... Jackie (along with Jen and Alex) was pretty much always by my side for the most amazing 4 months of our lives. Anyway, all four of us understand how much each other misses Spoons, Tesco, chocolate croissants, Kennedy's, Borrough Market, cheap airfare, and an endless list of other things. And we don't even have to think twice about saying, "That time I was in Paris" or "When I was in Germany.." because we all can relate to it. In the 24 hours Jackie and I were together, I think I found about 23 things to relate to European something or other. Things that reminded me of something that happened to us in Europe. And any other person would be so sick of hearing it by now...

Actually, this guy stopped us outside Qdoba the other night, because he saw Jackie's british flag shirt and thought we might be from England. I wish. But we talked with him about where we studied and yada yada, because he was British (so good to hear that accent). I think that conversation made our night. As did the yummy queso burritos from Qdoba.

I went to Jackie's straight from work on Friday, taking the NJ Transit train from Penn St. It was a quick 15 minute ride to Newark, where Jackie picked me up and drove me about 25 minutes to her home sweet home. Ah, suburbs. Green things. Trees. No over population. No bad smells. Fresh air. So much happiness. We had Qdoba for dinner and then met up with some of her friends and went to a local bar. My life was an episode of Jersey Shore for approximately one hour. Then we booked it and went to her town's diner (I guess Jersey is known for diners) and I had a delicious milkshake and some waffle fries. mmm mmm gooood. And then. We slept. Although original plans for Saturday called for a trip to the beach and boardwalk at the Shore, we decided to just wake up whenever we wake up.

1:30 p.m.

Oops. No beach day for us, but we had just enough time to get over to the bagel shop to get me one of Jersey's finest. Yum. I now know why Jersey people rant about their bagels. They were pretty good if I do say so myself. Although, Murray's bagels right next door to my apartment in the city, is equally yummy.

So instead of getting a sun burn, I opted for a tour of Jackie's town and a little trip to Rutger's, where Jaxxx goes to school. Then we returned to her house, watched Letters to Juliet, and watched the main character frolic through Italy, wishing we were back doing the same :( Boo. Homesick for Europe. Jackie's dad grilled up some delicious steak and chicken (like, really delicious) and we just hung out for a bit until it was time to take the train back into the city.

I know, I did SO many things in Jersey. But not really at all. which is just how I liked it. Suburbs, relaxation, sleeping in, good food, Jackie <3, made another friend (Jackie's dog Ice)... a break from the city, even if it was for 24 hours, was oh so nice.

It was back to work on Sunday and today, where I have been working on some more College Football Preview stuff and the usual weekly edits. I can't believe I have 3 weeks left. Insane... I'm definitely not ready to leave yet. Boo... time flies.

Now it's time for two days off. YAAAAYYY! Time to do some laundry, grocery shopping and exploring. Can't wait.