Top Ten, Bottom Ten... Part 1

Since I like lists Ive been thinking of the top places (states, etc...) I would want to live in and also the the ones I would not. Paul and I as you know tend to move a lot and of course were always tempted with the idea of living somewhere else. Although I really don't think we will leave Alaska its fun to play with the idea of where our next little adventure could be:) Now keep in mind that I am very aware that every place has it pros and cons...

TOP 10: (not necessarily in order)

1: Maine
I think Maine is a lot like Alaska, but with Lobster:) I would love to visit the coastal towns and the fall colors would be beautiful.

2: Kentucky
I love the smell of horses, it makes you want to listen to a really good country song! I also love the idea of rolling green hills and white picket fences with morning dew. Maybe thats just in the movies:) Anybody watch that movie with the zebra that wants to be a race horse??

3: Vermont
October, need I say more.

4: Alaska
I live here, so of course its on my top 10. Everything is pretty much out your backdoor. I love that people spend thousands of dollars to come where I live for a week:) I also love 65 degree summers where you can wear shorts and a tank.

5: Colorado
It would have to be in a small little mountain town far away from Denver. A cute well lets say luxurious cabin with a rock fireplace and big windows with a a view of surrounding mountains, a porch swing to sit and drink hot cocoa and a lot of snow to frolic in.

6: Oregon
I almost hesitated to put down Oregon but hey my BFF lives there:) I was born and raised there and there is still a lot of beautiful places I have not seen. I love the fall more than any other season and Oregon has a lot of apple and pear orchards as well as pumpkin farms. I really miss that.

7: Montana
In the hilly part not flat. Ive never been there only heard things, mostly good. I would want to live somewhere where there was not very many people, lots of farm animals, and cold winters that make you want to have soup and warm rolls for dinner:) At least in the movies they portray gorgeous sunsets (of course their probably filming somewhere else?). The thought of it makes you want to buy a pair of wranglers and some fashionable cowgirl boots and do a little country dance:)

8: Utah (big sigh): No offense to those who make there home there but this would be the last on my top ten and really if Paul was out of the picture (which he never will be) i would not put this as an option. My impression of the small portion of Utah that Ive seen quite honestly depresses me. Its to flat and dry for me!!! Im putting this here for the sole reason that family is there, I know that family is important but being an only child Ive always been a little selfish and have always put my own wants and desires before my own family. But... I really like Pauls parents and his brothers and sisters. I would to go to all of Nancy's parties:) I would drive with Emily to get her hair done in Idaho if she wanted, of course I would have to drive as I know she is insane. I could gab with Barb for hours:) My kids I know would enjoy the company of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Paul misses thanksgiving dinner and fishing with his dad at that horrible spider infested place. So as it is a part of my husband then so its a part of me:)

(when I went fishn there I looked down and the ground was covered with black spiders, literly the ground was moving)

9: Ok at this point Im leaving the Country, there really isn't many other states in the US that I would consider top ten material... (If I think of any I will edit this post)
Ireland
Again this is based on movies:) I love the way they talk and the countryside seems soooo beautiful. Of course this rivals somewhere in the swiss alps with a guy that blows a big long horn or somthn. My geography is horrible at best:)

10: Canada
Wherever the heck Road to Avonlee (?spelling) and AnnE of Green Gables was. Somewhere across from Maine like outside Halifax somewhere. Of course I would like to jump back a hundred years:)

OK so part 2 will be the top ten places I would hate to live...coming soon:)

I would love to know others top ten places to live so if you have a blog please post your top 10:)

To my BFF...

I do not usually use this term, in fact I have never to my knowledge said it out loud. It sounds so young:) Anyways for this special post I will. If you looked at the comments from my last long ago post you will notice that some crazy lady FINALLY posted a comment on my blog. This would be my BFF Jasmine, who kindly reminded me that I have not posted anything on my blog for awhile and she is growing restless. So I want to dedicate this post to her.

I do not use the term BFF lightly, I use it in the most sincere and endearing way imaginable. Just as I am sitting here this very moment thinking about what an incredible friend Jasmine has been to me for the last 6 years , tears are welling up in my eyes.

I wont talk about the first time we met like 10 years ago because for some reason I just don't remember it. Anyhow she apparently thought I was nice and enjoyed sorting cherries with me:) Skip like 4 years and there you have the start of a wonderful God given friendship. She came to our church and we really connected at Bible study. Our husbands became quick friends as well and we loved to hang out and play board games together. I always loved it when we got to go to their house for dinner, she was a much better cook than I could ever hope to be. Things always turned out as long as she had her eye on Andre and the barbecue:)

Our friendship has always been in the Lord. We talk about the Lord, we talk about His Word, we encourage eachother through His Word, and we pray for eachother and our families. Jasmine has always been quick to remind me of Gods Word when Im down, sometimes its convicting, sometimes confirming, other times insightful but always encouraging. I truly believe God has worked many times through her to reach me. I have leaned pretty heavy upon our friendship for the last few years, calling her when Im down or struggling with issues and she has a wonderful way of cheering me up and encouraging me to keep my eyes on the Lord. God gives us special people to be a part of our lives and show us His grace and His love. Jasmine is one of those special people that God allowed into my life for a reason. I hope that whatever years we have left on this earth I can be as much of an encouragement to her as she has been to me.

On another note...I have been in Alaska now for 2 and a half years and its been a rare occasion for us to not talk at least once during the week:) It really shows what a committed friend she has been! But let me tell ya, she wont go to Maui with me. CRAZY!!! Oh yeah and I even offered to give her a ticket!! (Big Sigh) This of course is not because she doesn't want to... I have to find a way to convince her husband that she deserves to leave for a week with her BFF and get a tan while drinking VIRGIN pina colodas. Wish me luck:)

Anyways...Jasmine you are the dearest and bestess (is that a word) friend!!! Talk to ya soon:)

PS. PLEASE ANDRE!