Where I'm from......

jenny · 11-23-2009, 07:55 AM

Where I'm from, a trip to the beach is called "going down the shore." Jughandles are the only way to turn left on most highways, and you know that the turn for said jughandle could come before OR after the intersection where you want to go left.

People think our state is industrial, overcrowded, and ugly, but nearly everyone I know who has visited here has been shocked by how beautiful it is. Where I'm from, you can find beaches, mountains and farmland, all within a drive of an hour or two. You can also get into two major cities within a couple of hours at most.

There are 24 hour diners everywhere, and they all look pretty much the same, and you can get the most fabulous bagels here as well. Where I'm from, you know what a "benny" is, and people will make fun of the way you say "water."

I love it here. Just sayin'.

NJFemmie · 11-23-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenny

Where I'm from, a trip to the beach is called "going down the shore." Jughandles are the only way to turn left on most highways, and you know that the turn for said jughandle could come before OR after the intersection where you want to go left.

People think our state is industrial, overcrowded, and ugly, but nearly everyone I know who has visited here has been shocked by how beautiful it is. Where I'm from, you can find beaches, mountains and farmland, all within a drive of an hour or two. You can also get into two major cities within a couple of hours at most.

There are 24 hour diners everywhere, and they all look pretty much the same, and you can get the most fabulous bagels here as well. Where I'm from, you know what a "benny" is, and people will make fun of the way you say "water."

I love it here. Just sayin'.

All you had to say was "jughandle" and "down the shore" I knew you were from Jersey. Takes one to know one.

NJFemmie · 11-23-2009, 10:15 AM

On one hand, I often want to forget where I am from - but at the same time, I consider myself blessed.

My parents came here from WWII Germany to Jersey City, NJ at a time where it progressively became one of the worse areas to live. I grew up in an area that was constantly under the sounds of police sirens, gang wars and excessive homelessness. Growing up there was an eye opening experience to the good, the bad and the indifferent. It was also an area rich in ethnicity - from foods, culture, and ways of living. Almost any type of ethnic food can be found within a two-mile radius. I am blessed because it opened my mind and gave me a sense of understanding that can reach many different levels. That which doesn't kill you, truly does make you stronger, lol. I regret none of it, but at the same time, you won't catch me back in Jersey City voluntarily either. I've spent enough of my years there.

Where I live now is peaceful and serene in comparison. No matter which direction you drive, you will eventually stumble upon farmland and skies that are not obstructed by tall buildings. There are cows and horses just about everywhere. (I realized recently that I haven't seen a pigeon in over three years, lol.) It did take me some time to get used to jughandles and I still find it hard to wrap the concept of the shore being north of here, so I still say "down the shore" every now and then. I still carry the Jersey City mentality, but it has come in useful on many occasions. I say cawfee with great pride.

Our tomatoes ROCK.

jenny · 11-23-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJFemmie

All you had to say was "jughandle" and "down the shore" I knew you were from Jersey. Takes one to know one.

Ha!!! I love it when people visit from other states, and totally don't get how to make a left hand turn across a highway, because there's "no left turn" signs everywhere... And it's even better when they eventually admit that jughandles make sense!!!

*waves at the other Jersey girl!*

Trishagee · 11-23-2009, 09:30 PM

things are ofte not the norm...

It's 80 degrees on Thanksgiving...

Waldo from Family Matters hangs out at the local Trader Joes...

If you go to Denny's on Saturday morning the gays out number the straights...

The freeways are more congested during a holiday week than normal...

NJFemmie · 11-23-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenny

Ha!!! I love it when people visit from other states, and totally don't get how to make a left hand turn across a highway, because there's "no left turn" signs everywhere... And it's even better when they eventually admit that jughandles make sense!!!

*waves at the other Jersey girl!*

I used to find them annoying, but they do make sense. And everyone is not all over the place trying to cut across highways.

I have to admit, there is less chaotic traffic down here.

*waving back*

always2late · 11-23-2009, 09:45 PM

Where I am...there are NO self-serve gas stations (in fact, it is illegal to pump your own gas!)

*waves to the other Jersey girls*

NJFemmie · 11-24-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by always2late

Where I am...there are NO self-serve gas stations (in fact, it is illegal to pump your own gas!)

*waves to the other Jersey girls*

Cuz that's how we roll .....

*waves back*

jenny · 11-24-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by always2late

Where I am...there are NO self-serve gas stations (in fact, it is illegal to pump your own gas!)

*waves to the other Jersey girls*

*waves back atcha!*

My oldest daughter (nearly 20) has a tee shirt that says "Jersey girls don't pump gas." Cracks me up!

NotAnAverageGuy · 11-24-2009, 03:58 PM

the best BBQ is sold out of an old gas station that was converted into a restaurant

Ursy · 09-23-2010, 08:53 AM

Where I come from... well - I drove to the shops today and I had to slow down so as not to hit any wallabies or kangaroos sitting on the side of the road (they can suddenly change direction and decide to hop right in front of your car). My sweetie saw an echidna last time he took the dogs for a walk and my sister saw a platypus in the creek out the back of her place. Driving to work a few months ago, my daughter and I saw a couple of koalas on the road. The driver in front of me was trying to get them to safety (i.e. off the road). They were not impressed with her telling them what to do!

We are very lucky though - you don't see wildlife like this in most towns or cities in Australia. You don't get kangaroos hopping down the main street in Sydney or Melbourne. We're just in a really good place for it (it's pretty rare - the idea that this is the norm here is a misconception).

You know what? Koalas are really not that cute and cuddly. They smell, they make awful noises, they can be aggressive, and they have claws. A lot of them also have syphilis!

Jess · 09-23-2010, 09:01 AM

Are there Koala shepherds there? LOL! There has always been rumors of shepherds and sheep and std's.. , I couldn't resist!

Sounds like a really cool place to be. The wildlife sounds amazing. You are indeed blessed!

Thanks!

Ursy · 09-23-2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jess

Are there Koala shepherds there? LOL! There has always been rumors of shepherds and sheep and std's.. , I couldn't resist!

Sounds like a really cool place to be. The wildlife sounds amazing. You are indeed blessed!

Thanks!

Lol - no koala shepherds

We are blessed, but still, I'd love to see a chipmunk, squirrel or raccoon for real someday (we don't have them here at all)

lipstixgal · 09-23-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ursy

Lol - no koala shepherds

We are blessed, but still, I'd love to see a chipmunk, squirrel or raccoon for real someday (we don't have them here at all)

Sorry but chipmunk, squirrel and raccoon are not indigenous to that part of the world but it does sound so wonderful that Australia would love to visit someday and see the koalas, kangaroos etc!!

MysticOceansFL · 09-23-2010, 06:42 AM

Plenty of SunShine here you take a guess? And the city is the Capital.

lipstixgal · 09-23-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticOceansFL

Plenty of SunShine here you take a guess? And the city is the Capital.

Would that be Jacksonville, Florida?? I'm guessing

Kätzchen · 06-03-2018, 02:59 PM

The skies at night are so dark that you can see stars for miles and miles. During the summer, it's very hot and late at night you can hear all the crickets and grasshoppers buzzing in the fields. The mountains are very high, and Ponderosa is fragrant. Mint fields and fields of corn and wheat, go on and on for miles. The nearest tiny town I grew up near, has only one gas station, one post office, a couple of mom and pop stores, and a teeny tiny cemetery. And about four different churches..... three schools .....and one pool hall.

The best part of where I grew up was that we had very few neighbor's, but our neighbor's were all good people. Really good folks.

homoe · 06-03-2018, 03:13 PM

Is a nice little touristy town on the shores of Lake Superior. There are waterfalls, warm in-land lakes for swimming, and trails for hiking! If you're an outdoorsy type you'll love this place!

The town itself has a population of about 2 and a half thousand, and as with any small town people seem to know everyone else's business! The downtown has numerous taverns, shops, and eating establishments!

It is a place you should probably only visit in Summer or Autumn! It gets tons and ton of lake effect snow starting as early as November and continues until April.

2qt · 06-03-2018, 05:06 PM

Where I am from is a place some would call hell, I am surrounded with fainted yellow grass that's dried out from drought, tree's with little leaves left to grow in a town with little population & miles from the locals....

We have our share of creepy critters that roam & wild animals that hunt....

But what I see is all the beauty that surrounds some of the ugly....

Wide open spaces, a night sky you can take in for miles without the interference of city lights, able to make as much sound or noise as you like, swim in nature, walk in nature, ride a horse, milk a cow for fresh milk, raid a hens pen for fresh eggs, pitch a tent for camping fun or just a place where fur babies can run free without all the common restrictions of city living & you can relax....

If you drive 30 minutes into town you will come across our local stores, to fill up on life's wants & needs & if you drive an hour or 2 you will reach several cities & beaches for the shop till you drop desires we sometimes have (well at least I do), & ocean shores for a change in scenery when required.....

At the moment I live in the country, I grew up in the country so for me country isn't hell, it's a lifestyle....

MsTinkerbelly · 06-03-2018, 10:17 PM

Where i’m from, everyone in town raised you and would call to tell your momma you were bad. I rode my bicycle all over town, and never worried about theft or weird folks bothering me. The man (George) who ran the liquor department at the grocery store, would call our mom to ask if she knew we were buying candy, and drove me home one time when I cut my foot.

We had a main shopping street, and when I got older we would cruise up and down in our cars with our friends...and at Christmas you could go there for a hayride with hot chocolate.

Where I came from my entire family lived within 20 miles, and we had many bbq’s and parties in my Grandparents (1 acre) backyard, hiding in the bunkhouse and climbing the fruit trees.

I went to school with all of the same people from kindergarten through high school, and have many great memories of a time lived without fences or fear.

Fourth of July parades, swimming at the park pool...happy happy times.

11-23-2009, 07:55 AM	#1
jenny Member How Do You Identify?: queer femme Relationship Status: inquire within Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 956 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 434 Thanked 1,594 Times in 580 Posts Rep Power: 5091118	Where I'm from, a trip to the beach is called "going down the shore." Jughandles are the only way to turn left on most highways, and you know that the turn for said jughandle could come before OR after the intersection where you want to go left. People think our state is industrial, overcrowded, and ugly, but nearly everyone I know who has visited here has been shocked by how beautiful it is. Where I'm from, you can find beaches, mountains and farmland, all within a drive of an hour or two. You can also get into two major cities within a couple of hours at most. There are 24 hour diners everywhere, and they all look pretty much the same, and you can get the most fabulous bagels here as well. Where I'm from, you know what a "benny" is, and people will make fun of the way you say "water." I love it here. Just sayin'. __________________ "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

11-23-2009, 10:15 AM	#3
NJFemmie Senior Member How Do You Identify?: The original lime-twisted femme Preferred Pronoun?: I answer to most things, especially lesbian. Relationship Status: Still loving my Mare ;) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4,683 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,343 Thanked 11,419 Times in 2,976 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	On one hand, I often want to forget where I am from - but at the same time, I consider myself blessed. My parents came here from WWII Germany to Jersey City, NJ at a time where it progressively became one of the worse areas to live. I grew up in an area that was constantly under the sounds of police sirens, gang wars and excessive homelessness. Growing up there was an eye opening experience to the good, the bad and the indifferent. It was also an area rich in ethnicity - from foods, culture, and ways of living. Almost any type of ethnic food can be found within a two-mile radius. I am blessed because it opened my mind and gave me a sense of understanding that can reach many different levels. That which doesn't kill you, truly does make you stronger, lol. I regret none of it, but at the same time, you won't catch me back in Jersey City voluntarily either. I've spent enough of my years there. Where I live now is peaceful and serene in comparison. No matter which direction you drive, you will eventually stumble upon farmland and skies that are not obstructed by tall buildings. There are cows and horses just about everywhere. (I realized recently that I haven't seen a pigeon in over three years, lol.) It did take me some time to get used to jughandles and I still find it hard to wrap the concept of the shore being north of here, so I still say "down the shore" every now and then. I still carry the Jersey City mentality, but it has come in useful on many occasions. I say cawfee with great pride. Our tomatoes ROCK. __________________

11-23-2009, 09:30 PM	#5
Trishagee Junior Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: City of Angels Posts: 40 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 24 Thanked 27 Times in 8 Posts Rep Power: 82423	Where I am from things are ofte not the norm... It's 80 degrees on Thanksgiving... Waldo from Family Matters hangs out at the local Trader Joes... If you go to Denny's on Saturday morning the gays out number the straights... The freeways are more congested during a holiday week than normal... __________________ and I'll be back when the day is new... and I'll have more ideas for you... and you'll have things you'll want to talk about... I will too ~Mr. Rogers~

09-23-2010, 08:53 AM	#11
Ursy Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Relationship Status: Engaged Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 274 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 606 Thanked 661 Times in 206 Posts Rep Power: 2127933	Where I come from... well - I drove to the shops today and I had to slow down so as not to hit any wallabies or kangaroos sitting on the side of the road (they can suddenly change direction and decide to hop right in front of your car). My sweetie saw an echidna last time he took the dogs for a walk and my sister saw a platypus in the creek out the back of her place. Driving to work a few months ago, my daughter and I saw a couple of koalas on the road. The driver in front of me was trying to get them to safety (i.e. off the road). They were not impressed with her telling them what to do! We are very lucky though - you don't see wildlife like this in most towns or cities in Australia. You don't get kangaroos hopping down the main street in Sydney or Melbourne. We're just in a really good place for it (it's pretty rare - the idea that this is the norm here is a misconception). You know what? Koalas are really not that cute and cuddly. They smell, they make awful noises, they can be aggressive, and they have claws. A lot of them also have syphilis! __________________ My art My Zazzle My Printfection

09-23-2010, 06:42 AM	#15
MysticOceansFL Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch, Preferred Pronoun?: People call me by my nic name. Relationship Status: Not Single, Not Desperate. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 3,833 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,645 Thanked 4,033 Times in 1,720 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Plenty of SunShine here you take a guess? And the city is the Capital. __________________ Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. It is said, " Some lives are linked across time..... Connected by an ancient calling that echoes through the ages "......

11-23-2009, 09:45 PM	#7
always2late Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: m'lady Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 2,000 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,834 Thanked 6,231 Times in 1,462 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Where I am...there are NO self-serve gas stations (in fact, it is illegal to pump your own gas!) waves to the other Jersey girls

11-24-2009, 03:58 PM	#10
NotAnAverageGuy Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Trans Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,723 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 109 Thanked 282 Times in 178 Posts Rep Power: 0	the best BBQ is sold out of an old gas station that was converted into a restaurant

09-23-2010, 09:01 AM	#12
Jess Timed Out - Permanent How Do You Identify?: decidedly indifferent Preferred Pronoun?: other Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Patrick Springs, VA Posts: 2,812 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,247 Thanked 5,700 Times in 1,682 Posts Rep Power: 0	Are there Koala shepherds there? LOL! There has always been rumors of shepherds and sheep and std's.. , I couldn't resist! Sounds like a really cool place to be. The wildlife sounds amazing. You are indeed blessed! Thanks!

06-03-2018, 02:59 PM	#17
Kätzchen Member How Do You Identify?: As a very feminine woman. Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near smoke signals in the sky. Posts: 16,209 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 29,450 Thanked 33,611 Times in 10,707 Posts Rep Power: 21474868	Where I'm From..... The skies at night are so dark that you can see stars for miles and miles. During the summer, it's very hot and late at night you can hear all the crickets and grasshoppers buzzing in the fields. The mountains are very high, and Ponderosa is fragrant. Mint fields and fields of corn and wheat, go on and on for miles. The nearest tiny town I grew up near, has only one gas station, one post office, a couple of mom and pop stores, and a teeny tiny cemetery. And about four different churches..... three schools .....and one pool hall. The best part of where I grew up was that we had very few neighbor's, but our neighbor's were all good people. Really good folks.

06-03-2018, 03:13 PM	#18
homoe Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Butch Relationship Status: ..... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: 30 minute ferry ride from Seattle Posts: 38,565 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 20,811 Thanked 33,548 Times in 14,914 Posts Rep Power: 21474889	Where I'm From........ Is a nice little touristy town on the shores of Lake Superior. There are waterfalls, warm in-land lakes for swimming, and trails for hiking! If you're an outdoorsy type you'll love this place! The town itself has a population of about 2 and a half thousand, and as with any small town people seem to know everyone else's business! The downtown has numerous taverns, shops, and eating establishments! It is a place you should probably only visit in Summer or Autumn! It gets tons and ton of lake effect snow starting as early as November and continues until April.

06-03-2018, 05:06 PM	#19
2qt Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, her.. Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mothership Posts: 873 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 861 Thanked 1,966 Times in 582 Posts Rep Power: 15312204	Where I am from is a place some would call hell, I am surrounded with fainted yellow grass that's dried out from drought, tree's with little leaves left to grow in a town with little population & miles from the locals.... We have our share of creepy critters that roam & wild animals that hunt.... But what I see is all the beauty that surrounds some of the ugly.... Wide open spaces, a night sky you can take in for miles without the interference of city lights, able to make as much sound or noise as you like, swim in nature, walk in nature, ride a horse, milk a cow for fresh milk, raid a hens pen for fresh eggs, pitch a tent for camping fun or just a place where fur babies can run free without all the common restrictions of city living & you can relax.... If you drive 30 minutes into town you will come across our local stores, to fill up on life's wants & needs & if you drive an hour or 2 you will reach several cities & beaches for the shop till you drop desires we sometimes have (well at least I do), & ocean shores for a change in scenery when required..... At the moment I live in the country, I grew up in the country so for me country isn't hell, it's a lifestyle....

06-03-2018, 10:17 PM	#20
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,901 Times in 5,017 Posts Rep Power: 0	Where i’m from, everyone in town raised you and would call to tell your momma you were bad. I rode my bicycle all over town, and never worried about theft or weird folks bothering me. The man (George) who ran the liquor department at the grocery store, would call our mom to ask if she knew we were buying candy, and drove me home one time when I cut my foot. We had a main shopping street, and when I got older we would cruise up and down in our cars with our friends...and at Christmas you could go there for a hayride with hot chocolate. Where I came from my entire family lived within 20 miles, and we had many bbq’s and parties in my Grandparents (1 acre) backyard, hiding in the bunkhouse and climbing the fruit trees. I went to school with all of the same people from kindergarten through high school, and have many great memories of a time lived without fences or fear. Fourth of July parades, swimming at the park pool...happy happy times.