As the end of the year is winding down, I have been missing home more than ever. New Jersey is commonly referred to as the “armpit of America”, the place where Jersey Shore was filmed and blah blah. To me, NJ is the tiny and squished state I call home, and I never realized how much I would miss it. To all of my fellow New Jersians, people who define where they live as the exit on the parkway, lovers of bagels and pizza-- this one is for you!!

1. Bagels

If you’re not from NJ and have never had the experience of eating a bagel from there-- you are missing out. Trust. I brought back some of these bad boys to school and now I get requests to bring them back every.time. I go home.

2. Pizza

First of all, who doesn't love themselves some 'za?! NJ has some of the best, and you better believe each town has at least five pizzerias within a ten-minute drive. Where I am from, we have 11, all a five-minute drive from home. That's how much we love our pizza.

3. Driving to Your Destination Quickly & Fast

One perk of being so squished in the “armpit” is that everything you need is a close drive away. Need the mall? Only a 20-minute drive. The shore? Only 1-2 hours away (depending where you live).

4. The Shore

Like I said, the shore is so so so close, no matter where you live in this small state. In the summer it is the best vacation spot, with some great restaurants. Seaside, Long Beach Island and Wildwood are the places to be-- not just to shop in the Shore Store (as seen on Jersey Shore).

5. Small Towns

Regardless of what county you’re from or what town you live in-- you know everyone. I miss being able to spot my best friends mom driving through town. Even if you do not personally know every one, you will recognize a familiar face.

6. Bergen County

Oh the 201. My old friend. I miss you ever so much, the geotag, the people, and everything about you. Our high school sports are the best, you can count on a huge fan section at any event. Bergen County is simply the best, you just cannot disagree.

7. Knowing the Roads

Even for someone as directionally challenged as I, it is really hard to get lost. Growing up watching my parents drive on Route 17, the parkway, and through every back road of the neighborhoods, I can’t imagine not knowing where I am going.

8. Not Pumping My Gas

I am so grateful for the lawmakers of NJ. I have pumped my gas only once, and that was because my friends forced me. I can’t imagine having to pump my own every time ugh. (FYI this would be me if I were to pump gas alone.)

9. Late Night Diners

Again, more food. This is a NJ custom, 24/7 diners to serve breakfast (and basically any food you are craving) at any point of the night. The infamous State Line Diner's disco fries and milkshakes are a tradition of my friends and I-- highly recommend.

10. Proximity

The closeness of everything is awesome. New York City and Philadelphia are just a car ride away, and the option to take a train anywhere is also there. Depending on the season, you can go for a hike in the mountains, go skiing, drive to the beach-- the opportunities are endless!!

Only one week left until I get to see you, NJ. Can’t wait to breathe your air.