I have needed a break from work for a while now. I've been responsible for a lot and was recently promoted. With that promotion came some additional responsibilities that I am trying to grow into, while keeping the train on the track otherwise. I've not felt comfortable stepping away and was at the point of maxing out vacation time. I was fortunate and able to sneak back to Jersey for a week. I knew it was going to be a shorter one, but it was great.

I flew out of Phoenix on the 8th. It was a surprise trip so I drove myself to the airport as only a few people knew that I was going. I got there in time, ate some food that I picked up from the gas station on the way, and was able to get on the plane. The first stop was Chicago and we made it there without issue. Upon landing, we were told there was an hour delay. From there, I killed time to the next flight. We got in, got on the tarmac, and then were told we'd be sitting there for 90 minutes due to weather. Bummer, but alright. 10 minutes later, they announce that we're clear to go and to get ready. We get in the air, get to Philly, and then spend the 90 minutes circling the airport. We landed, I got my stuff and my car, and made my way to Eatontown and one of my favorite Hilton properties. I should have been there around 8:30 but arrived a bit after 11:30. I got the room settled and got to bed.

There was an event to attend Friday night and I was excited. I got up, got ready, and got out the door. I grabbed some food, did some shopping, and hit the sights. I swung by Joe's house as it is a staple of my visits. I knew he'd be working but wanted to at least pass by. I caught him checking the mail and was able to say hi for a few minutes. I grabbed some comic books before heading back to the hotel. I grabbed dinner and my stuff and headed to the Ancient Artifax event. I milled around for a few hours, said hello to PJ, Brian, and Darick. As the first even wrapped up, I stepped outside and caught up with Brian B for a bit before heading to the panel. I listened in to the punk rock panel interview and let Joe in when he got there. As that wrapped, Joe and I headed out for a bit to grab a beer and catch up. It was great and rewarding.

Due to the short trip, I was up and out Saturday morning. I packed things up and headed north. I popped into Nicolo's for slices on the way. I made my way first to Kearney to see a few sights and drive around a bit. I then headed to the cemetery to visit my brother. When I was done there, I grabbed a few things in Kearney and headed to Jersey City. I was very fortunate to have been bumped up into the same room that I had stayed in last year. The room was great and I loved being back. I dropped my stuff and caught the train into the city. The first stop was One World Trade. I then headed to Pronto Pizza for dinner. I needed to get postcards out so I headed to Times Square to see the sights and grab them. I filled them out at Dave and Busters found a mailbox, and started to make my way back to the hotel. It had been a long day, so I get things settled and bought tickets for the next day.

Sunday was the last full day in north Jersey. I spent most of the morning touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I've not done that in many years and thought it would be great to see and do again. I enjoyed the time there and hit up a few stores on the way back to the hotel. I dropped everything again at the hotel and went out exploring. I started again at One World Trade. I then headed out to see the Charging Bull before moving to Fraunces Tavern for a beer. I milled around a bit more before heading back to the hotel to get everything consolidated and packed up for the morning.

I woke up early Monday morning and got moving again. I stopped at Metro Bagels for breakfast before visiting the cemetery for the last time. I drove by my grandmother's old house to check it out and started the way to Old Bridge. I called ahead and the hotel was able to get me in early. I was very thankful for that. I got things settled in the room and started the drive south. I made my way to Seaside Heights for a few hours. I played the games, won some prizes, collected the game cards, and ate a shore slice. I then started to head back north. I made a number of stops on the way back to grab various supplies for the remainder of the week. I got settled in at the hotel and called it a bit of an early night.

Tuesday was amazing. I started the day off by waking up early and then being able to fall back asleep. I grabbed a little more rest and hit the road for the day. I started by heading to Red Bank to grab lunch with my friend Brian. I rarely get to see him when he isn't traveling for work so it was nice to sit down, shoot the shit, and just relax for a bit. Lunch was fantastic and we parted ways until the next time our paths cross. I then headed out to Allaire State Park for a while to wander around, enjoy the beauty, and recharge. It felt amazing. Next up was Freehold Mall. I needed to take a picture of the carousel. I checked out the massage joint and passed. I found a store that sold Magic and spent 40 minutes in there perusing. I then headed back to the hotel to drop things off before heading to dinner. I got to Nicolo's so I could see Joe and get slices. I popped in and mentioned that I was going to see if his parents were around. He said hed give them a call. Next thing I know, Jeff and Cindy have been chatting with me for 2 hours while the store slowly closed around us. I missed them on the last few trips so the drop in and catch up was great. I called it a night and headed back to the hotel to clean up and relax.

Wednesday, I was up and moving through Old Bridge. I headed south for a bit to take a few pictures and grab lunch at a diner. I then started working my way back north for the remainder of the day. I popped by Uncle Tom's house, rang the bell, and got no answer. I called to see where he was and it turns out his doorbell is busted. I circled the block, parked, and then spent the next 3 hours shooting the shit with him. It was great to catch up, especially as it was unannounced. I then headed to Shop Rite to get some staples before heading over to Nicolo's for a few last slices. I placed my order and Jeff was there. We got to hang out for about an hour solo, talking about home improvements, retirement, and lawnmowers. I was calling it an early night so I could get everything travel ready. I sat in the hotel packing everything up. As I did, a random shower blew in. I headed outside, enjoyed the smell of the rain, and the sight of the rainbow in the distance. I got everything packed and prepped, climbed into bed, and grabbed some sleep for my last night home.

Thursday the 15th was another travel day. I was up early to get the car packed and get moving. I had to drive to Philly for the flight but stopped at Bagel Boy for breakfast. From there, I got the drive moving and got to the rental car return. The first flight out was to Chicago and was delayed. I grabbed dinner there and then got on the plane for Phoenix. The flight back was easy, I got my luggage quickly, and the drive to the house was smooth. The fun came when 1 lock on the front door and 1 lock on the back door would not accept the key. There was also an internet outage so I could not remote open the house. Thankfully, with the help of a neighbor, I got in and could start unpacking.

I am unbelievably grateful for the last week and everyone that I saw. I feel like I have lived more in the last week than I had in the last 8 months. I did not get to see everyone that I wanted to and will have to catch up with those that I missed next time.