New Jersey had it all…
In August 2018 I again headed to the east coast…this time New Jersey! My audit was another two week engagement. The start date was the day after my birthday, which was a Sunday. We had made plans months before so I talked to my boss about flying out Monday and starting Tuesday. He agreed. Okay, all trip info aside…the company I work for is really great. They are family friendly, which is unusual for the public accounting industry. Their flexibility and accommodating of my kids’ schedules help me to be a better mom; and the travel and work opportunities provide mental challenge and career opportunities…okay back to New Jersey…
New Jersey is…my third favorite audit location – behind Hawaii and Nashville. What made it so great was it had a little bit of everything I enjoy. One of my husband’s cousins lives there; Thursday night of the first week she picked me up and we headed to Jersey City for dinner and sights of NYC! We had dinner at Luna’s, then she took me to a rooftop bar for drinks and sights of NYC lit up at night, reflecting off the Hudson River. It was beautiful. As we stood gazing at the city, she pointed out the different sections of NYC visible from across the river, such as Manhattan and Brooklyn. I was awe struck by how big the city is. I mean I knew it was big but it was incredible seeing just how big it is.
Just as in previous trips, in advance of my #audittraveladventures I Google searched for races nearby. I found one along the Jersey Shore in Bel Mar…a 5k this time! Excited to get New Jersey checked off the list of states in which I have run a race! Bel Mar was about an hour and half early morning drive from Princeton. I parked the rental car and walked down to the starting line and picked up my race packet. The race went around a little lake then down the street that lined the Jersey Shore. As I waited for race time, I walked along the Boardwalk and snapped pictures as I felt inspired. I felt strong emotions of gratitude as I watched the sun rise over the ocean to the east; emotions of how beautiful it was to watch the waves gently lap against the shore, birds enjoying the solitude before the Saturday crowd arrives; gratitude for the opportunity to be there and watch the natural beauty of the ocean/shore before me. I love the water – it is renewing. Anyway, I ran my race, then drove to Atlantic City for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe – I have a thing for the Hard Rocks…I like to eat at them if there is one where I am vacationing or traveling for work. Today was special – enjoying a post race burger and fries, and checking out Atlantic City! I bucket list location! I enjoyed some shopping…and of course my burger.
After my burger and fries, I drove back to Princeton. But this time, I didn’t take the Jersey Turnpike, which costs tolls, but instead opted for the surface streets to not only save money but to see more of the State. The next day I visited a local church for Sunday Service, then took a little trip to see Princeton University! I toured the campus and bought a few things for my boys from the gift shop. I hope to inspire them to dream big!
One of the things I enjoyed the most and took full advantage of was…the hotel location. The hotel was next to a river, which had dirt paths running for miles along it. I am a runner; while I don’t mind the treadmill I prefer to run outside. I am not sure if I ever ran on the treadmill during this audit adventure but instead opted to run outside along the river. The scenery was absolutely beautiful…so picturesque! My last evening in Princeton, after I finished my run, I took pictures of the area…they don’t really do it justice. Although New Jersey may be overshadowed a bit by its neighbor, NY, I really enjoyed the state and what it had to offer.
