Things That Made Me Happy in Ridgewood Today

I’ve been so busy complaining about back to school, the new schedules and the hectic mornings, I haven’t had much time to look around and appreciate the fantastic town I live in. I moved to Ridgewood six years ago, kicking and screaming, from NYC. How could I possibly survive without the 24 hour wine and cheese shop and the frenetic energy? Well, I’m still here, and I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how happy I am here in suburbia. No, it isn’t perfect, but Utopia doesn’t exist, and I refuse to go through my life thinking the grass is always greener. Yes, the liquor store closed fifteen minutes too early the other night, and I had to drink red instead of white. Yes, I am feeling guilty about my significant contribution to our pollution level, as I buzz around town in my super-sized SUV. But … things are good here in North Jersey.

Here’s my two new reasons why I’m not going to move anytime soon:
1. Someone put a no-left turn on the corner of Hillside and West Ridgewood Avenue during school commuting hours. Sure I would’ve preferred another crossing guard, but I am thrilled to get some added reassurance our kids will be safe from mine and everyone else’s super-sized SUV. THANK YOU to whoever got that done!

2. Fox’s expanded – I am not a great shopper, but I love a good deal. I fell in love with the Fox’s in Mineola years ago when I was working at Winthrop Hospital (that’s a little shout out for all you native Long Islanders). You need a little time to sort through stuff you would never wear, but I always find something fun. When I saw the bigger store today, I was thrilled. C’mon Anthropologie, move into town and I will never have to go to the mall again!