Ah yes, what better way to capture the spirit of Independence Day than to write about it a week after!
While I was soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore, I reflected on my last few weeks back home. Then I figured I would write about it. Here’s what I came up with…
Since I’ve been home, I’ve been trying to *not* be at home. I’ve been driving down the shore, taking the train into the city and planning my next adventures outside of Jersey.
My last road trip was down south about an hour to the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore. I’ve always loved how close I was to the beach. I could be in the water before noon and make it back home in time for dinner. While July 4th weekend made for a crowded beach, I still enjoyed being able to lean back and get a tan (for once I didn’t burn!)
How do you properly celebrate July 4th? Burgers? Beers? Battlestar Galactica?
An Irish bar. Where else did you expect me to go? I feel like my brand is showing…
I’ve also visited New York City a bunch! A short train ride to Penn Station puts me right in the middle of all the craziness the city has to offer. And I love every second of it.
Some people can’t stand the hustle and bustle taking over the streets of Manhattan. I feel like it’s where I belong. Everyone walks with a purpose. Everyone has somewhere to be, they got a stride of pride going on. I look forward to the day where I walk out of my apartment building and onto the mean streets with my own sense of purpose.
Until then, I’ll keep visiting friends and practicing my city strut. I saw old friends and new-ish friends and even made some more friends! We went to Irish pubs and drank like we were back in the motherland. They were long nights full of stories and many laughs. Stumbling home, we made some hazy memories that were sure to last until the next time we all met up.
Also – nothing beats a New York slice. Jersey pizza is good, but it’s not New York. I stand by that.
It’s pretty nice living in this Tri-State area. I have the chance to visit a lot of cool places that aren’t too far away. I’ve visited these places many times now, but they always have something new for me. It’s cool being able to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.
This year on the 4th of July, I took a little moment to appreciate where I’m from. I loved being in Ireland, but the USA is my first home. We may not be perfect (especially New Jersey) but it’s where I was born and raised. I’m thankful for so much this amazing place has given me and for that, I am proud to be an American.
Yikes, pretty cheesy way to end it. How ’bout this — stay tuned for more adventures this year! Follow this blog and my socials to stay up-to-date!
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Also — VERY BUMMED I MISSED OUT ON BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN PERFORMING IN ASBURY PARK. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN LEGENDARY. WILL FOREVER REGRET LEAVING THE SHORE EARLY. JUST JERSEY GIRL THINGS…
Erin Goes Everywhere 