My Public Service Announcement for the State of NJ plus an award

New Jersey gets a bad rap. When you think about NJ (which I kind of doubt you do because it's just one of those small sort of inconsequential states) you probably think traffic, chemical plants, toll roads and the highest property taxes in the US of A. You would be partially correct in your thinking and in the case of the property tax you would in fact be entirely correct. But there is another side to this place...a softer gentler side if you will...hence its nickname, The Garden State.

I think if the politicians used my part of the state as their backdrop when giving interviews as opposed to, oh say a rest stop on the NJ Turnpike, they'd have people begging to live here. I mean as long as they didn't find out about the property taxes. New Jersey really is a lovely little corner of the earth and I'm just doing my bit here to spread the word...NJ Department of Tourism you are most welcome.

We took these pictures on our hike stroll this past weekend. I guess I need to also add here that the NJ Dept. of Tourism does not read my blog nor are they paying me to promote the state although perhaps they should consider it.

While NJ may not be giving me any recognition Lisa, at Odom Party of 5, did present me with my very first blog award yesterday (thanks Lisa!)

Lisa and I both have two daughters in college and love great shoes...seriously, how much more of a connection can two people need? I'm supposed to answer these questions and then pass the award on to six Over the Top bloggers that I don't think have participated in this yet. If you'd like to play along too then feel free..if not, NO pressure. Just cut and paste these questions to your post (or facebook page if you read my blog there) and let me know you joined the fun...

1. Where is your cell phone? in my purse...which is in the other room which slightly annoys my hubs...he thinks I should be like the Secret Service and always have it on me so I'm never out of radio contact.

2. Your hair? not the color it was in my twenties...not naturally anyway
3. Your mother? loved
4. Your father? missed
5. Your favorite food? thai green curry
6. Your dream last night? None
7.Your favorite drink? champagne
8. Your dream/goal? to make a difference somewhere in this world
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? not managing #8
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? savoring the water view from my back patio somewhere south of the Mason Dixon line
13. Where were you last night? a lovely Italian restaurant in town
14. Something that you aren't? a good singer
15. Muffins? cranberry orange
16. Wish list item? a beach/lake house
17. Where did you grow up? mostly southern NJ
18. Last thing you did? took the dog to the vet for a shot aka my aerobic workout for today
19. What are you wearing? jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pet? snoozing
22. Friends? Away
23. Your life? in transition
24. Your mood? good
25. Missing someone? always
26. Vehicle? parked
27. Something you're not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? Ann Taylor
29. Your favorite color? yellow
30. When was the last time you laughed? Recently
31. Last time you cried? Recently
32. Your best friend? my sisters
33. One place that I go to over and over? library
34. One person who emails me regularly? Vershonn
35. Favorite place to eat? Italy : )

There you have it. I'm passing this on to some lovely ladies I've 'met' thru blogging plus one special blogger who just happens to take amazing photos and who just also happens to be my sister in law. You all are awesome...have fun with this.

Carol at Joy in the Journey

Courtney at Tempo and Speed

Linda at Linda and Jake

Melinda at Tales from my Empty Nest

Rebekah at It Only Gets Better

Valerie at Boomer Sooner