I lived in New Jersey for a month and it made me think about everything.

As a doe-eyed twentysomething year old, I anticipated this would be the year I did everything I wanted to do. Traveling, moving out, getting another degree, shopping, having so much fun, getting a new big girl job, & swagging out. You name it. I want to do it all.

Early April, I went to New York to scope out my new campus. Returned to complete my yearly Coachella pilgrimage. And then, back on a flight to the great state of New Jersey. I packed two pairs of jeans, two pairs of shoes, & a variety of black and white t-shirts.

I wouldn't say I am a homey person. I like home but I crave being somewhere else. New Jersey is different from all the places I have lived before -- its vast, shrubbery is overgrown, old, and comforting in a way.

Everyday, my mom and I would drive on its many interstates to drink chai at a local Indian grocery store. New Jersey has a substantial Indian community which has diverse cuisine from its subregions. After two weeks, we were regulars at these diners and grocery stores.

One time, on our weekly excursion to eat chaat, we were seated right next to Lara Raj's (from Katseye) dad. Which is ironic how I knew who he was but even comical realization that everyone (even LA locals) are connected to New Jersey for some divine reason.

Driving back to our place, I was astounded by the forested roads and open farm fields. We saw cows, horses, deer, and sheep. I wanted to get out of the car and run across the fields. It seemed freeing.

I shared my ins & outs on River, quite some time ago. Some ins being: personal uniform, intent, and finding out. New Jersey was great for this application -- with my limited wardrobe, focus on what I want to do in my life, and how I can achieve that.

I struggled with the feeling that I knew nothing, even though I was so sure about my plans last year. It made me want to take a minute, look at the context. See how even though I knew nothing, I just need to do. I get so caught up in the little details and the speed of everything in California. It was nice to just feel what sticks on the East Coast.

Time to zoom out & look at the big picture.