Sweet Home Alabama!

You know I just have to say that I am proud to be from Alabama. We may get the reputation of being "country hicks" or "rednecks" but that is not the case. I have a lot of pride in my state. And yes, I know pride isn't a good thing to have, but I love it when someone asks me where I'm from.
Me and my Mom were talking about it the other day that Alabama has a rich historical background, some things not so good, and some things that have had an impact on the world. But I just love saying "I'm from Alabama". I like everything that goes along with being from the South. Having the accent, the little sayings that no one has heard of, the country and twangy songs, I love it all! But talking about Alabama is no where near as good as experiencing it first hand. The rolling mountains, the red barns, cottage houses, wildflowers that grow alongside the interstate, the sound of crickets chirping at night, bells of hay, cows waking you up at 7:00 in the morning, the smell of rain settling in the country grass, friendly smiles, a quick wave as you drive by your buddy in a white truck. I loved my childhood. I loved where I grew up and the friends that I had and the schools that I went to. I loved being in the garden with my Dad and appreciating the nature around me. I think that is why I love the country, why I love the South. I spent most of my time outside when I was a kid and I learned to enjoy being outside and playing outside. It's not something most kids do these days.

Beside the fact that I love my hometown, I can not wait to go home this Christmas! I love "Christmas in Dixie". The smell of Christmas there is so strong and the feeling I get being at home during Christmas is like no other. I can't wait to see my family and friends when I get home and catch up on some things. It will definitely be a change from Utah and I'm pretty sure I'll miss it after I'm there for about a week. But I'm ready to get home and see those barns and country grass and hear some real Southern accents for a change :)

Talk to y'all later!
-Jessica