I have to say your negative attitude is a bit of a downer.
Thing is, I actually like NJ. Grew up there, and the state is quite a bit of fun. Interesting people, lots of diversity in food and culture, close to the best city in the US. Good beaches, hiking in the northwestern part. In many ways, it’s like a small California, and sorry you didn’t appreciate it. If you lived in the right town, your kids actually might have been happier than in California. Much less paranoia, no busing in some towns, so kids get to walk to school and hang out after hours rather than being tied to a rigid, car-based schedule.
It’s not some forsaken rust-belt town 200 miles from the nearest non-awful place.
As far as my attitude, it’s not negative. It’s anti-corporate and generally anti-authority. Some people accept the BS that “society” asks of them with a smile. I choose not to, or at least do so with a frown and a mouth full of spittle at the ready.
