Fifty Nifty

5th grade means US History time. Which also means, as the music teacher, time to teach 
FIFTY NIFTY UNITED STATES. 
I was never lucky enough to learn that song, I had to learn my states by pure rough memorization. 

But you better believe, I know them all! (and capitals too!)

So in honor of Fifty Nifty week, I thought I'd both reminisce and share my voyage through the nifty states. 
Prepare to scroll for much too long. 

√ 1] Alabama---------------------------------------------

I have a dear love for the state of Alabama. Home to the heritage of the Brassell's (Montgomery, AL). I visited once for a Brassell reunion and realized that every Brassell in the room pronounced "their" last name differently. No wonder my parents both do. You might be the very first state on the list Alabama- but if I could live anywhere in this here US, I'd choose you- sweet home Alabama. 

2] Alaska-------------------------------------------------

You have been [number one] on my bucket list for years and years now. There is no other state that can give me butterflies except you. Summer of 2011 my roommate and I were offered a job in [Ketchikan, Alaska] to work as tour guides. Unfortunately it did not end up working out on both our accounts. It was one of the hardest things to decline.

One day Alaska! I'll get to see the Northern Lights and will bring my fly rod and have at it...

 There are those butterflies again.

√ 3] Arizona-----------------------------------------------

You have got to be the hottest state I've been too. Yes, hotter than Florida. It's a dry hot too, and the only reason I could never live there. But your red rocks are amazing. You're a bit of a rebel- being the only state without a time change. And you make the best waterfalls and hidden villages carved deep into your Grand Canyon. Havasupai college trip '08 and '09 were by far the best summer trip of my life. 

4] Arkansas---------------------------------------------

There is not much I know about you Arkansas. Except that I think your capital Little Rock is a cool name, you must be related to Kansas somehow, and that last little 's' is silent. Other than that, it looks like I need to meet a friend from AR to bring me back on a visit. 

     
√ 5] California---------------------------------------------

                                            

My first home.
San Jose, CA would be the home I never remembered. One day I plan on making it back to see where I took my first steps and see the house I was born in. Although I believe I would prefer northern CA over SoCAL. Spring break 2010 four of my best guy friends and I booked a cruise from LA to Catalina and Ensenada, Mexico. 

And it was on Laguna Beach that we all had our first surfing lesson out on the cold Pacific. 

√ 6] Colorado---------------------------------------------

If Colorado was presented with a state award, it would receive the 'well-rounded state'. Colorado has it all.

All the 4 seasons, the city and the country, and a wide debate of how the state name is "actually pronounced"...

I visited you last year with 3 best friends and you were a sight for sore eyes. I still am baffled how I was the only one in the car who missed the herd of buffalo grazing along its long-winded roadsides.

7] Connecticut-------------------------------------------

Connecticut is the state each 5th grader spells wrong. That silent c gets ya every time. Connecticut seems like such a proper state, and I just imagine it's products to all be stand-up good, down to earth, kind of folk. I hope to soon see.

8] Delaware----------------------------------------------

Delaware just seems like the most important state. Kind of like the leader. Probably because she is, the first state of the union. I'd like to go ring that Liberty Bell and scope out all the old historical sites and museums. 

√ 9] Florida-----------------------------------------------

Florida is THE place to vacay. It is just the place you want to be to relax and have a 'Hakuna Matata' experience. Florida was quite a vacation living there for 4 years. I could never live in South Florida again but I'd take Northern Florida in a heartbeat! Ft. Walton, Destin, Pensacola (the panhandle) right next to the warm Gulf is one of the best spots in the country. Walking around the marinas, feet in the white sand and warm water is just how life should be. 

√ 10] Georgia---------------------------------------------

When I think of Georgia, I think pretty. Lush trees and fuzzy peaches. Southern accents and green, green, green. Nothing like the Atlanta airport (man, that place is overwhelming). Georgia is such a beautiful state and so hospitable. Yea, I could live in Georgia.

11] Hawaii-----------------------------------------------

Knowing I've pronounced you wrong half my life makes me feel a bit jilted. Thanks to all my "Island students" I now pronounce all the island states correctly. Hawaii is the perfect honeymoon vacation. Volcanos, palm trees, warm water, culture and beach side way of life, how could you not want to visit Hawaii. It's no wonder it's the #1 US hot spot.

√ 12] Idaho-----------------------------------------------

"Where's that" "The Potato state?" "What's in Idaho?" "Isn't is freezing up there?"

Those are all the comments I got when I found out I was headed to Rexburg, Idaho for 5 years of my life. But Idaho can be easily called [home]. I now think "what ISN'T there to do in Idaho!?"

If you're an outdoor lover, like myself then you are embarking on:

Caving. White water rafting. Sand dunes. Bear Lake. Old Western towns. Mines. Fishing. Hiking. Floating the rivers. Shooting. Farms. Potatos, potatos, potatos. A friendly smile and a wave. Tons of snow. Purple lightning storms, hot summers, and the best sunsets.

Of all the places I've lived and traveled I haven't seen a prettier sunset. 

√ 13] Illinois-----------------------------------------------

I can't say I remember to much about Illinois. Shh, don't forget the 's' is silent! I haven't been to Chicago, and I hear is the coldest big city so I am not too disappointed. My visit to Illinois consisted of Carthage. It was a small little town and I went to the most odd and coolest museum of my entire life there. I will go back some day. It was like a movie, my family was the only one's there and it was old and outdated. A collection of the oddest. There has to be some codes or violations being broken in that old barn. When I head back this summer, you can guarantee I will be looking for that hole in the wall adventure.

√ 14] Indiana---------------------------------------------

I've just driven through you and I really don't remember much. Looks like we will have to have another run! But thanks for always being the easiest capital to remember (besides Oklahoma that is).

√ 15] Iowa------------------------------------------------

Same, same Iowa. My memories of you are limited. It was a quick drive through but a pleasant one. Many, many farm, and that is not a bad thing!

√ 16] Kansas----------------------------------------------

Naturally the first thing I think of is Dorothy and the "Wizard of Oz." I picture it to look like it did just as in the movie. And for the most part it did. This was the LONGEST state to travel through. Very dry and small town type feeling. Although it's not every day you get to see a 5 AND 6 legged cow, and well, Kansas has one. As an outsider, I don't have much of an opinion of Kansas, I don't know enough. But I can bet that all the Kansanites would never want to leave their golden town.

√ 17] Kentucky-------------------------------------------

Driving throuh Kentucky doesn't qualify much as visiting the state as I'd like it to. And Kentucky is a state I would like to have a good long visit too. The first thing I learned about Kentucky was the "Cuberland Gap" which was very important and had something to do with Davy Crockett. That was 5th grade, and to this day, I feel a big obligation to visit Cumberland Gap, KY! With one of my favorite roommates from Kentucky sharing her sweet little southern accent and offlandish phrases, I've got to go back!

√18] Louisiana--------------------------------------------------------------

I stayed in a hotel one night in Louisiana. I like how the state is shaped in an 'L' as well. 

Louisiana always reminds me of Garth Brook's song "Calling Baton Rouge". It has the greatest location- nestled by the warm Gulf water. 

19] Maine------------------------------------------------

I want to spend a day fishing for lobster and crab up on the coast, then have a picnic on the shore right near a lighthouse. What a perfect day. I'd consider Maine the most humble of the states. We hear so little, but really, she's got everything!

√ 20] Maryland--------------------------------------------

Maryland speaks for itself. It's a happy place. Connected to Virginia, and technically where DC is located. I love DC visits. If you haven't had one yet, it definitely should be on your traveling bucket list! There is no place quite like it. There is so much history to learn about and sights to see. Man, now I'm really missing it!

21] Massachusetts--------------------------------------

Embarrassing enough, but I always think of the old school show "Zoom." Please tell me you watched it too. "Send it to Zoom, send it to Zoom, Boston Mass, 02134!" Well Massachusetts, that's the first thing I think of when I think of you, the Zoom theme song. I don't know much about Mass. I do know that you offer one of the strongest and memorable accents though. 

22] Michigan---------------------------------------------

Never have I ever...

I once liked a boy from Michigan. I know your have the 5 lakes up surrounding you. You're right there next to Canada too. One day I will make a trip up that way to hit the Finger Lakes states. 

23] Minnesota-------------------------------------------

Alright, I lied when I said Boston, Mass had the most impressionable accents. You, Minnesota, win by a long shot! Have you ever seen "Bobby's World"? That is the northern Minnesota and Wisconsin accent. Now that's one worth YouTubing. I'd visit just to hear the townsfolk speak. (:

√ 24] Mississippi------------------------------------------

I love Mississippi! And both the boys I dated from Mississippi were the biggest gentlemen! Knew exactly how to treat a lady and both had accents that make ya grin ear to ear. There's just something about southern hospitality that always seems to pull me back down to the south. 

√ 25] Missouri---------------------------------------------

St. Louis and Independence (Zion) were quite the visits! Missouri is such a pretty state. There is so much LDS church history there and it was amazing to actually see all the places and things that I have invested so much time in learning.  It was so peaceful to sit on the grass where the cornerstones were laid for the future Independence Missouri temple and to visit the Liberty Jail where one of the most powerful passages of scripture were written.

√ 26] Montana--------------------------------------------

'A River Runs Through It' was  filmed here. One of the best places for fishing and outdoors. Montana has such the small town feeling and keeps it's reputation of it. With each state becoming more and more industrialized and built up, you can always count on Montana to give you the Old West feeling. 

√ 27] Nebraska-------------------------------------------

Nebraska is one of my favorite state names. I just think it sounds so pretty. Out of all the states on the map, I had the hardest time (and my students do as well) telling the difference between Nebraska and Kansas. I suppose Wyoming and Colorado are a close runner up. I tell ya, those box states...

 I had 2 roommates from Nebraska and they were the coolest girls ever, so Nebraska has got to be a cool state! I was so young when I visited that I'm going to have to travel back to get a refresher!

√ 28] Nevada---------------------------------------------

Oh Nevada. You are the only state that I can say that I slept on your streets, in the middle of the night, on a hot summer's night, in Vegas. What was I thinking??? That's the problem, I wasn't thinking, it was 4am and we had just hiked out of the Grand Canyon and drove through the night, then parked at a truck stop to try and get some shut eye.  Don't worry, a man got a broom to sweep me off his property before I was abducted or anything. You know what they say...

whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. 

29] New Hampshire-------------------------------------

I really don't know a thing about you. I've never even met someone from New Hampshire. Looks like I need to make a visit up to New Englandville. 

√ 30] New Jersey-----------------------------------------

It was a quick visit, mostly because my destination was New York. In fact, I couldn't even tell the difference between the two. But I'm sure there are some, and I will have to spend another time finding out what it is.

√ 31] New Mexico-----------------------------------------

Newsies, anyone? 

"Santa Fe, are you there? Do you swear you won't forget me?"

Because Newsies was my favorite movie growing up, and Jack was my favorite Newsie, and his dream was Santa Fe, well then that just means it was my dream too!

However, I never got to actually go to the city of Santa Fe, but I did make it to New Mexico, and it sure reminded me a lot if Arizona. Hot, red, and dry. No wonder they're neighbors. 

√ 32] New York-------------------------------------------

How appropriate for New York to come after my last post on New Mexico. 

Remember how much I loved Newsies?

My mom surprised me for my 16th birthday with 2 tickets to NY, NY for me and her. It was the best birthday and we had the greatest visit. New York IS everything it's cracked up to be. Yellow taxi's, big billborads and lights, subways, pizza, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, hot dogs, bums, Broadway, shops, Ground Zero, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building... it's got it all. And we sure did it all! Unforgettable trip. So unforgettable I went back 3 more times. 

And if the city isn't where you want to be, then upstate New York, [Palmyra] sure is. It would rank as one of the prettiest places. I absolutely loved my entire visit there, and would recommend it to anyone in a heart beat. NYC would be fun to live in for like a year, but I could settle down for life in upstate NY.

√ 33] North Carolina--------------------------------------

Michael Jordan's hometown, and we all know I'm a huge MJ fan. North Carolina (and South too) sure represent the southern, slow pace, easy going, hospitable way of life. Not to mention it is full of color, just like this picture. It has mountains, and is by the warm Atlantic. What could be better?

Oh that's right, the Outer Banks, also found here!

34] North Dakota----------------------------------------

You're ranked as the coldest state in the United States. I will be honest, my desire to visit you is about 3 degrees Celsius. However, you're 'below the radar' status intrigues me and there has got to be a pretty golden secret about you that the rest of the US overlooks.  

√ 35] Ohio-------------------------------------------------


                     

I also came upon Ohio on my Church History trip. Kirtland, Ohio. The temple is amazing. The very first temple of the LDS church, dedicated in 1836. The RLDS church (Church of Christ) has owned it since the Saints left Kirtland and they still give tours through the temple. It is amazing to walk through.

Overall, I really liked Ohio. I have a life-long friend living there now that I sure wouldn't mind going to visit! 

√36] Oklahoma------------------------------------------

When I think of Oklahoma the first thing that comes to mind is sunflowers (ok, then the musical). Who can't be happy around sunflowers?? Contrary to Wyoming and Colorado... Okaholma is one of the easiest states to identify. To think, if you lived on the panhandle of OK, how long would it take for you to get to the opposite side. That has to be the record for shortest state cross over. You could travel on the corner of Texas, then to NM, then to Colorado, on to Kansas back to Okaholama in hours! 5 states in a matter of hours!

37] Oregon----------------------------------------------

Second to Alaska, this is my next biggest state dream. I have always wanted to spend a week on the Oregon coast. I think Oregon has to be overall, in the top 3 most beautiful states... (umm according to the pictures I've seen of her). I love the plentiful trees, the mountains, the ocean, the dew, the lighthouses! And you know what they say... Oregon is home to Bigfoot believers. They even have a "Sasquatch" town. Right up my ally! My friends and I are planning a trip to Oregon this summer. I cannot wait!!

√ 38] Pennsylvania----------------------------------------

Senior year 2005, my two best friends and I traveled from VA to Reading, Pennsylvania for a Rascal Flatts concert. They were very new and it was such a thrill to be able to go see them. For all you country fans out there- Blake Shelton opened up for him, whom I was also a loyal fan of. Now he's all over the radio. It was such a fun trip and yes, there were many railroads.

Boy Meets World was taped here, another reason why it's the place to be.

I slept in the Philly airport one night. It was quite frightening. Good thing I had a good friend who kept watch over me. What a good guy.

Also went to an Amish town and ate at a Restaurant there- what an experience!

Ellen, save me a spot in Philly!

39] Rhode Island----------------------------------------

I have never even met someone, who met someone from Rhode Island. And that kinda makes me sad. I really would love to meet a Rhode Islander before I die. Good thing visiting all 50 states is on my bucket list, because I probably wont ever meet one til I come to you. 

√ 40] South Carolina--------------------------------------

Everyone I have met from South Carolina I have completely adored!

Just your above average southern state full of palmetto trees and summer loving.

Myrtle Beach is the beach to visit if you ever plan on making your way out to miss Carolina!

41] South Dakota---------------------------------------

Mt. Rushmore fascinates me. Just think of all the time (14 years) and ability it took to make this! Not to mention they redid Jefferson! This site I have got to visit one day. The only other thing I know about South Dakota is that they have massive underground bunkers all set to fire. Beware your step.

42] Tennessee-------------------------------------------

My dream was serving a mission in Tennessee. I have no idea why, but it appealed to me as the place I'd like to serve for 1.5 years. Well, that never happened- Tennesse or the mission.

I'd love to wind up in Nashville one fine day. Tennesse is my country lovin' state!

√ 43] Texas-----------------------------------------------

I've got mixed feelings about you Texas. The "Texas pride" is annoying. Every person I've met from Texas just rants and raves about how she is the only state and the best state on this here earth. But then I got to thinking... maybe it is? 

No... probably not. But I do say I admire the Texas pride, despite how annoying it can be at times. But if a state can hold that many loyal lovers and neurotic supporters, then it must be doing something right.

And yes, you are because I quite thoroughly enjoyed my two visits to your land.

√ 44] Utah------------------------------------------------


                   

[Life Elevated] says the sign as you cross into her borders. And yes, the elevation is high if I might say. Just going down my road to the main street me ears always pop.

Some of the greatest places here in Utah.

Zion's National Park (go hike Angel's Landing and tell me you're heart wasn't ponding)

Moab Arches and Goblin Valley (has been in the "planning" for years and years now...)

Lake Powell (red rock and warm water)

Park City (ski time)

Great Salt Lake (one day I'll take a float)

There definitely is a lot to do in Utah. I love the Native American history sites as well. The Anasazi tribe ruins in St. George were one of the coolest sites I've seen in my life.

I still have a lot more of Utah I need to cover before I leave. So if I am missing anything- you be sure to tell me! 

45] Vermont---------------------------------------------

Vermont and Louisianna are awesome because their shapes both make the first letter of their name. Go check a map out, Vermont is a "V". And it's also New England, which means it's pretty and green. Rolling hills and good weather. This is one state I need to do some research on before visiting- I'm sure there are so treasures there just waiting to be explored.

√ 46] Virginia----------------------------------------------

I'm not biased, just truthful when I say Virginia is the best.

"Virginia is for Lovers" is her motto. They came up with it because she's got everything, so anyone can love Virginia. The Mason-Dixon Line seperated Pennsylvania from Maryland and most of West Virginia.  Anything below is considered the South. I love this because of all the history VA has to offer. I lived in Yorktown (which where the last battle of the Revolutionary War was fought and won), 20 min from Williamsburg and Jamestown. It just can't get better (at least for US history lovers).

We've got beaches, lot's of them, and right on the warm water too, for the beach lovers,

and the Appalachain Mountains (rolling in greenery) for the mountain lovers.

We've got it all because 

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS.

47] Washington-----------------------------------------

I want to visit Washington for many reasons, but the one reason being to see the amazing Redwoods. I love trees, so trees big enough you can drive a car through them are all the more better. I hear WA is beautiful! And it must be, because its covered in trees. My sister in law is from there and plan's on taking me back one day (right? right?)

48] West Virginia----------------------------------------

I know, I lived in Virginia how many years and never made it to it's bordering-sharing-the-same-name-almost-state! I don't know how it never happened, but you better believe when I go back out to visit my Virginia I shall plan on landing in the Charleston, WV airport to get a good sneak peek of just what West Virginia is all about!

49] Wisconsin-------------------------------------------

The cheese state! If you have never had Wisconsin "squeeky" cheese, then you don't even have a clue of what you're missing out on! I'm serious. I had a friend in 4th grade who had just moved from Wisconsin and would bring her cheese curds to lunch. To this day, I will never forget how deliciously amazing cheese could be. I have got to visit. It's cowboy country up there too... maybe I'll find more up there than just my squeeky cheese...

√ 50] Wyoming-------------------------------------------

Last the best for all the game. Wyoming is the state that my dreams are made of. Sure, I know I said Alaska gave me butterflies, Virginia was the best, Alabama was where I'd like to live, but WYOMING- is my dream.

There ain't a lot to Wyoming so WHY Wyoming? 

 One of my favorite places in all the US is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Yellowstone is up there too. There is just nothing that beats it. I love the country, I love cowboys, I love buffalo, I love the outdoors, what more could a girl want. Not to mention Jackson Hole, Wyoming is pretty much the spot where every teacher wants to work, they pay good $$ there.

Call me crazy but I sure am in love with Wyoming.

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So there it is: my travelog.

I've been to 31 of the 50 states. I'm almost there!

(: