Our First Thanksgiving in NJ

Our realtor gave us this turkey made out of cookies.  Delicious!

The flowers Milt and Linda gave us

Linda stirring up Oma's famous stuffing

Milt enjoying the Macy's Day Parade 

Maddie being herself

Me...in a very close self-portrait

Joel in all his morning glory!

We had a great Thanksgiving!  Hope you did, too!  I'm still missing my MN and VA family, learning the Jersey way of life and blogging.

We May Not Have Kids...

...but we have a cute dog that has to wear a sweatshirt.

Joel refuses to take her outside when she's wearing her pink hoodie.  Whatever.  I guess I don't have to give up a "man-card" to walk my bundled, furry friend.  At least she's not shivering anymore!

Wondering what I'm doing since our big move?  Everyone seems to be.  I'm still walking my dog, avoiding the mailman, studying for exams and blogging.  Life is good.

Why?

Why? I've been asking my poor husband this question a lot lately.  God, my mom, sister and friend have all heard me rant, rave and inquire,

"Why did I go to school for eight years if I'm just sitting at home?"
"Why did I choose the per diem job when all the recruiters were calling me?"
"Why aren't the recruiters calling me now?"
"Why am I at home with no children?"
"Why did I have to leave my job in VA?"

Nobody, can answer these queries.  Obviously.   I am continually concluding that God is testing my patience and humility.  It's not fun telling people,  "I'm in-between jobs right now" and "No, we don't have children."

So, that's where I am at, folks.  I'm learning patience, humility,  asking "why?" far too often, walking my dog, taking certification courses and blogging.

Nice People

Yesterday, someone dropped our LOST keys off at our local gym.  Crazy.  I thought they would forever remain on the Appalachian Trail.  Thanks! I'm glad to see how nice people can be!

Me, Maddie and The Mailman

Have you ever changed your daily routine in order to avoid someone?  I have.  My story begins here.

Friday-Our very friendly mailman brought a package to our door.  Somehow, we broach the topic of my career as a trauma nurse in VA.  He mentions a few hospitals I could look into.  I thanked him.

Monday-Our very friendly mailman asks me if I had a job, yet.  I said, "Well, I just turned my applications in today."

Tuesday- Our very friendly mailman asks me AGAIN if I had a job.  I reply, "Well, I turned my application in yesterday.  They probably haven't processed it, yet."

Wednesday-I peer out the window before taking Maddie for a walk.  No mail truck in sight. I like the mailman, but don't want to answer ANY MORE questions about my job situation.  Maddie and I amble along and run INTO THE MAILMAN.  You already know what he asks me:)

Thursday-Maddie and I go for our daily walk an hour earlier.  I feel guilty.  I did all of this just so I wouldn't have to answer questions about my job.  I'm so lame, sometimes!

Wondering what I've been doing since moving to NJ?  Most people do.  I am studying for certifications, putting in applications,  and avoiding the mailman.  I'm also writing.

Because of The SNOW...

Because of the snow:

1) Joel stayed home on Monday!  There are STILL lots of power lines down.  There are also MANY people without electricity.  We aren't one them.

2) We were able to finish HALF of our Christmas shopping.

3) We had visitors!!  One of Joel's bosses came over on Sunday.  He and his wife had not had power for 24 hours.  It was nice having company.  We like Joel's boss and his wife.  So, does Maddie.

4) We bought an ice scraper.  We might need that here :)

5) We played Super Scrabble.  I beat Joel for the FIRST time in our marriage. I think I may write this victory on the calendar!

6) We ordered pizza and were DENIED.  Nobody wanted to go out in the snow.  We had to settle for cheese and crackers (I didn't go grocery shopping BECAUSE of the snow).

The snow was pretty and it was fun hanging out with my hubby for an extra day, but we're hoping it doesn't happen again until ALL the leaves are off the trees!

Wondering what I'm doing since I've moved to NJ?  My mailman sure does:)  Anyway, I've been applying, applying, applying.  Studying for new certifications and writing.  I'm staying sane...for now.

Things About Jersey I'll NEVER Understand

1) Yielding on green.  Was this not required in NJ drivers ed?  I received a shake of the fist for taking MY right of way the other week.  The aforementioned fist lady was turning left into traffic.  I think my neck hairs are still bristling with a twinge of anger....just a twinge.

2)  It's going to snow on Sunday.  I thought I moved to NJ...not back to MN.

3)  Apparently, hospital inpatients still have to share rooms.  I seriously thought that was a phenomenon from the 70's.  No wonder nosocomial infections are so rampant in the USA.

4)  One of the first questions I'm greeted with when telling people I'm not from around here is "What did you move HERE for?"

5)  Apparently, NJ people don't move much.  People give me a very inquisitive look when I explain my past dwelling places.  They scratch their head and say "So, your from MN, but you moved from VA...and now you're HERE." I say, "yes."  (I don't even bother telling them I lived in OH for 2 1/2 years).  The next question that always follows is "How did you EVER meet your husband."  Guess I lead an exciting life folks.

6) People live in castles here and our property taxes our ridiculous.  How is it that people are living in castles?  Come visit me.  You'll see what I mean.  There's actually a house with a mote around it.

7) There have been bear sightings in my neighborhood.  What?  Why are bears living in the most populated state?

8) Why do so MANY middle-aged women born with DARK hair insist on dying it platinum blonde?  I've seen a lot of this since moving here.

9) Halloween.  Whoa.  People REALLY decorate up here.  I passed a hedge filled with fake cut-off limbs.  I threw up a little. Okay. Not really..but it grossed me out.

10) Radio stations.  I don't care if you've "Got the Moves Like Jagger."  I want some real music.  You would think with such a dense population of people you'd have more radio station options.  maybe not.

This is what I don't understand thus far.  Maybe once I've lived here a while it will all become clear to me.  Let's hope.

Wondering what I've been doing since moving to NJ ? Here's my repertoire.   1) Applying for jobs 2) Signing up for certification courses  3) this.