A Joy to Live in New Joysee

"If you had a chance to pick a place in the US where you'd like to stay, where would it be?"

"New York."

"LA."

"Las Vegas."

"Boston."

I think I have written quite a bunch about Boston, and others do have their obvious reasons why they would want to stay in NY, Las Vegas or LA.

Now how about New Jersey?

I now stay in New Jersey (New Joy-see, as they say it here) for obvious reasons (only known to those who probably know me). And staying here for quite some time has made me discover a few things that make me happy for being here. Maybe not exactly ecstatic, but happy. Whether these things are just plain petty, or weird, well, that's just how I feel.

So here's my top 10 (not ranked in any order) reasons why I like living in New Joysee:

1. It's near New York, and from where I live, it's just a 15-minute drive or a train ride away.

2. Clothes are tax-free.

3. They have IKEA here. Aside from the nice furniture and home knick knacks, I just love their swedish meatballs.

4. I don't need to pump gas for my car, as there are gas attendants who do it for you.

5. Accessible to a LOT of Oriental/ Filipino stores and restaurants. Very handy when you have the craving for sisig or chicharon bulaklak. Just knowing that it's there when you need it is good to know.

6. Rides are accessible. Buses, trains, light rail, and ferry... living here without a car is not the end of the world for you.

7. Since it's in the East Coast, I get to witness the 4 seasons. A good excuse to shop for more clothes.

8. They have Legal Seafood here! Although we were able to try the one in Boston, it's a refreshing to know it is within reach.

9. It's where the Bayonne Cruise Port is. I have grown to love that store, especially the grocery we set up. You feel rewarded each time you see someone fascinated at the goods we brought in for them.

10. I'm with Ricio. And pretty soon, with Ysa. It's where home is, where my family is. Can't really ask for more.

I would have included Bon Jovi for my 11th reason (since he is from NJ), but it's nice to know he made a cute jingle about NJ ("who says you can't come home?"...).