30 Day Challenge - Day 25

We woke up to a nice, cold surprise this morning!  

SNOW!  A cold front was expected to blow through, and they had predicted 1-3 inches for our area.  We didn't really expect it to do anything, though, because half the time the meteorologists are wrong.  In their defense, though, predicting the weather here is like trying to predict whether or not the cowboys are going to be a good team next year, when the end of the world will be, or what color to bet on in Vegas.  Yesterday, I was wearing a t-shirt and sandals.  Anyhow, an hour ago, I heard that we had gotten 4 inches so far, and it is still snowing out there.  Its a really wet snow, and the leaves are all still on the trees.  It looks like the branches on some of the trees might snap off at any moment.  But, we will take moisture in any way that we can at this point, so praise God!


Today's 30 Day Challenge topic:  someone who fascinates me, and why?


Who commands my interest?  Who holds me spellbound?


Good question, but of all the people in the world, probably my grandmother that I so often write about on here.  


She was so "normal".  She wasn't extraordinary by most people's definition.  She wasn't flamboyant, and she would never have considered herself fascinating.  She never sought attention, and wasn't well educated according to the world's standards.


She was simple.  She was "just" a housewife.  She was full of wisdom.  


I've written about her several times on here, so today I'm not going into full detail.  (Mainly, because I'm having a wonderful morning and do not wish to cry my eyes out.)  But, even though she has been gone for 5 years, she still inspires me.  I'm like her in so many ways...then again, there are some things about me that are totally, totally different.  


Her life's story will always fascinate me.

30 Day Challenge - Day 24

A posting 2 days in a row!  Woohoo!  I'm on a roll!


Today's question is what is my favorite movie, and why?


This is hard, because I actually have a lot of movies that I really like.  I know, I don't watch much TV, but I do watch movies...at least old movies.  Honestly, though, anything with John Wayne in it is great.


One of my favorites is McClintock! with John Wayne.  I don't really even need to watch it anymore, because I have seen it so many times.  I like older movies like that because its 100% safe to watch them with your kids! 
"You women are always raising hell about one things when it's something else you're really sore about.  Don't you think it's about time you told me what put the burr under your saddle about me?"



Arsenic in Old Lace is another I could watch over and over again.  Its just hilarious!
"Look, I probably should have told you this before, but you see...well...insanity runs in my family...it practically gallops!"



Gone With the Wind.  I can imagine myself in that movie.  Except, I would be in Texas.  And not wealthy. 
"It will come to you, this love of the land.  There's no gettin' away from it if you're Irish."  
"No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly.  That's what's wrong with you!  You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how."




Dazed and Confused is one of my go-to movies when the kids aren't around.  I think I like it mainly for the soundtrack, but that alone is worth it.  Plus, it has Matthew McConnaughey in it.  (I know, yesterday I made my case about not idolizing movie stars.  I don't idolize him, but I will say that God really made him easy on the eyes.)  
"I'm letting you have shotgun. But I want you to know it's because only 'cuz I'm goin' inside."



Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Sure, Audrey's character is a call-girl, and she loves cats.  Other than those two things, it makes for a great love story! 
"It should take you exactly four seconds to cross from here to that door.  I'll give you two."  
"As Miss Golightly was saying before she was most rudely interrupted..."




So what is your favorite movie?  I'm sure if I thought a little more I could come up with a few more, but I will limit my one favorite movie to only five. Ha!


Be blessed today everyone!  

30 Day Challenge - Day 23

Shame on me for not writing for a whole week.  I'm such a slacker!


I'm skipping today's challenge because I just don't like it.  I'm supposed to post pictures of 5 famous people I think are attractive.  First, I just don't have time to do that!  (Its only 5:30 and the Little Man is already awake!)  Second, I have this thing about famous people.  They are still just people.  I don't like that so many famous people are idolized.  So, while there are a few who are pretty darn good looking, I'm not going to plaster their mugs all over my blog.


Last week was crazy!  Flower's science fair at school is today, so we spent all of last week finalizing her project.  Let me tell you, between an 8 year old who inherited her mom's perfectionism, and a mom who hasn't learned not to be a perfectionist, it took us awhile.  However, she has studied and studied, and put her heart into this project.  I'm not biased at all, but I'm pretty sure she has a shot at winning this thing.  I'll post pictures later!


I had two ladies order some Christmas gifts from me, so I have been spending a lot of time knitting, and I'm not close to being finished!  That is what I have been doing in most of my spare time.  


I haven't posted pictures in awhile, either.  Its that whole "time thing" again.  I'm happy I'm even on here this morning!  I haven't forgotten about everyone, I promise!  


I was thinking recently about how today's church too often waters down scripture, we have to sugar coat things to make it acceptable.  Then, this morning, a friend raised a question on Facebook:  is God a tolerant or intolerant God?  He proposed that Christians should learn to be more tolerant of the things we view as sins.  I've yet to find scripture that shows a place where God was tolerant...quite the opposite.  In Scripture, God never tolerated anything that went against His Law.  Jesus wasn't tolerant of sinful behavior, either.  In fact, Jesus was so unhappy once that he overturned tables in the Synagogue because they had turned it from a place of worship into a marketplace.  


Is God a loving God?  Most certainly.  In the Bible, He always gave people the chance to turn away from their sin.  If they didn't, then they were punished, but He never turned a blind eye and became tolerant. Ephesians 5:1-2 says "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."


I have searched, but I cannot find a scripture that says I need to be tolerant of sins. I'm not tolerant of my children's misbehavior, but I still love them.  I explain why their actions are wrong, and give them a chance to stop acting that way.  If they don't, then they are punished.  


I know my answer isn't a popular one, and my opinion has probably upset a few people.  But, I try to balance everything I think, say and do by the Bible.  (I said try....I'm not always perfect!) I cannot be tolerant of the things scripture says is wrong.  I can love the person, and treat them with kindness, but I will not pretend like the things they are doing are fine and dandy. 


**stepping down from soapbox**


I pray you all have a blessed day, and I will try really hard to not go an entire week without posting again!

30 Day Challenge - Day 21

I pray you all had a blessed weekend!  I did...very relaxing!  Saturday was jammed packed.  After taking the kids on an early morning trip to the donut store, we worked on Flower's volleyball project all morning.  We paused just long enough for her volleyball game, then had to make our monthly run to the grocery store.  I hate shopping for groceries and I spent to much money, but the company was great, since Flower went along with me!  Sunday was another great church service.  The youth of our church lead the service, and it was really neat.  I can say that after all these years, I can still find ways in which my life was impacted by my youth group.  It is so important to invest time into young people!  Pastor's daughter talked about her mission trip to a Ugandan orphanage.  I cried.  Then, I came home and asked Barb Wire Man if we could adopt one of those babies.  He said no.  I guess I better start praying!


Now, for today's question...


How have you changed in the last two years?


Well, now, I might have to think on this one!


I'm definitely a much calmer person than I was two years ago.  I don't tend to over react like I used to do!


I don't think I am as nice as I used to be.  Now, don't get the wrong impressions here!  I'm still a nice person, but I have had to learn how to say "no" to people.  I am nice to a fault.  I've been told that I am too nice, and allow too many people to walk all over me.  I have always tried to please everyone, so I'm learning how to just be me.  And if the other person wants me to be, or do, something that suits them better, I won't.  They can either take me like I am, or move on.


I think maybe Barb Wire Man or my mom should have written this particular post for me!  They know me better than I do, and could tell you more!  I really don't think I have changed that much!


I'm better able to be by myself now.  I used to get pretty scared if Barb Wire Man had to be gone for work overnight.  I couldn't sleep, and I worried all night long.  If I heard the dogs bark, I got up and inspected.  I slept with a pistol under my mattress just in case.  These days, I know I am tough enough to be alone for a little bit, and that I'm going to be okay whether he is home or not.  But I still sleep with a pistol under my mattress.


Two years ago, I was just starting the Stay At Home Mom thing.  I wasn't sure if I could handle "doing nothing" all day.  Now, I know I can handle it just fine.  I'm just wondering now when the "doing nothing" part starts.


Be blessed today!

30 Day Challenge - Day 21

It's Friday!  Friday nights are the only nights at our house when the only thing on the agenda is staying at home and spending time with the family.  I cherish them.  I don't like going anywhere unless we have to go.  Tonight, Flower and I will be spending the evening finishing up her science fair project!  I'm so excited about this!  It is the first time she has entered a competition in school.  But the best part is she is excited!  She has poured a lot of energy into this project, and is really giving it her all.  I'm praying she does well, and I really think she has a great shot at scoring really high!


So, on to today's question!


One of my favorite TV shows?


TV has to be one of the biggest wastes of time...seriously.


If for some strange, totally unlikely reason Barb Wire Man and I ever split, the first thing I would do is get rid of that stupid TV.  I wouldn't even miss it for a second.


But, I do like a few shows.  How I Met Your Mother really makes me laugh.  Sadly, I do watch Jersey Shore, but it only reminds me how grateful I am that I am not like that at all.  And Barb Wire Man usually thanks me for being nothing like that!  I'm a sucker for the History Channel.  And the occassional Sons of Anarchy, which I admitted to watching the other day.  


But, I'd give up all of those gladly, because I HATE TV!  HATE IT I TELL YOU!  Seriously.  Think of how many things we could be doing if not for TV, like: spending time with family, or knitting, or reading, or serving God!  


And you?  What is your favorite TV show?


Now, off to start my day with a daily dose of the Word and house cleaning!
Be blessed!

30 Day Challenge - Day 20

Oh man.  I've already written about some of these things!  So today's challenge is how important I think education is.


Well now, isn't that a loaded gun that gets comments out the wazoo.


My children's education is absolutely one of the top priorities in my life.  During the summer, Mattie and I home school, because I hate to see brains go to boob-tube waste.  One of my constant prayers is that God will increase not only my children's knowledge, but also their wisdom. I pray for their teachers, and for my friends who are teachers.


You can read about my personal views on college here.  I did not go to college.  I had no desire to go to college, nor do I have the desire now.  I do want my children to go to college, but I won't to force them to go if they feel led down another path (unless that path is something stupid, like, say, falling in love with some guy halfway across the country...nevermind.)


Mattie has already told me she has every intention of pursuing a college career, to which I responded, "That's AWESOME!  What do you think you want to study?"  She said she didn't care, but that she wanted to go to Texas A&M.  That's a good thing, too, because that is where we want her to go!


I know some people who have been served well by a college education.  I also know some who make far more money working a job that doesn't even require a degree.  In fact, Barb Wire Man once said the only reason he thinks everyone should go to college is to learn to party and get it out of their system.


God uses whom He will, whether uneducated or educated.  Thankfully!


Barb Wire Man started a new schedule this morning, which involves him leaving the house before 3:00 AM.  I did not wake up with him this morning, and as a result ended up sleeping until 6:00!  I am way behind...I have some catching up to do!


So what are your opinions on education?

30 Day Challenge - Day 19

Today's question is certainly a doozie.  What is the biggest regret in my life?


Well, I don't really regret much of anything in my life.  I know you are thinking "Yeah right!  Everyone regrets something!"  Certainly there are things in my life that I look back on now and think "Good grief, what was I thinking?!", but regret is a strong word.


I guess if I picked one point in my life, where "regret" could possibly be used, it would have to be marrying my ex-husband.  But, every choice in my life has brought me to the place I am now.  The decision to marry my ex-husband was perhaps not the wisest.  We were not good for each other by any stretch of the imagination.  It was truly the worst time of my life.  But so many good things came from the chain of events during that time.  Had I not married him, I wouldn't have my gorgeous, sweet little Flower.  I wouldn't have moved to Canyon.  I wouldn't have realized who I am as an individual, and how strong I really could be.  I wouldn't have moved in with my parents.  If I hadn't moved in with my parents, then Barb Wire Man and I wouldn't have become such good friends and eventually fallen in love.  If I hadn't fallen in love with Mike, we wouldn't have this amazing family and life that we have now.


Don't get me wrong!  I'm certainly not happy with some of the things I have done or said in my life.  I've had my fair share of moments where I stop and wonder what in the h-e-double-hockey sticks made me think that was a good idea.  But, nothing in this life happens by chance.  Ever.


I doubt I'll be on much today.  Last night was the longest...night...ever...so I bet I take a nap later!  
Be blessed everyone!

30 Day Challenge - Day 18

Name a book I could read over and over again, and never get tired of.

Did anyone else notice that sentence ended in a preposition?  Oy.


Back to the topic at hand.


Obviously, the top would have to be the Bible.  I've read it many times in my life.  Every time I read it, I learn something new.  It really is a living book, and I just love it.  My dad teases me that I say "Oh that is my favorite verse ever!" about every single verse in the Bible.  He is right.


I also love To Kill a Mockingbird.  I read it first when I was, I think, in 4th or 5th grade.  I really identified with Scout in so many ways.  Atticus reminded me of my dad, because truly, he doesn't judge people by their outward appearance, but by their hearts.


God Came Near, by Max Lucado is another book I love.  I first read it after I had my son.  My relationship with the Lord grew so much at that point, because I realized how much God must love us.  As I've said before, I can't think of a single person I love enough to sacrifice my children for, but that is exactly what God did.


The Big Book of Hints by Heloise.  Oh, stop laughing.  I love little hints like that.  I could almost write my own book.......


My Antonia, by Willa Cather.  I first read it in high school, I believe, and it will always be one of my favorites.    


Today, I have to catch up on the laundry...what fun!  Yesterday I just enjoyed playing with the kids, reffing any arguments that broke out over getting to play with big sister, and helping Flower with her science fair project!  (Which, by the way, is going to be awesome!!!!!!)  Today, I really need to get caught up!  But playing with kids is just....so much more fun!  


Yesterday, Mattie's friend said "Now I see why my brother likes coming over here so much....you are silly!"  That just made my day.  Today, I think the little ones and I are going to make Halloween masks out of paper plates...woohooo!


Have a blessed day everyone!

I am toying with the idea of writing an actual book.  I have a really great concept, and I think it would be a real tear jerker.  I just need to sit down and write it!

Have a great day, everyone!

30 Day Challenge - Day 17

Better late than never, right!?  Today I was crazy busy playing with the kids, and Flower was home from school.  One of her friends stayed with us too!  We had fun, but this mama is tired!  


My highs and lows of the past year.


I'll start with the lows...I like ending on high notes!


Two definite lows were the 5th anniversary of my Grandmother's death, and the death of my Pa.  Both were equally as hard.  The first reminded me that life can be suddenly and tragically cut short, and that I should always take every opportunity to spend time with those I love.  The second reminded me that even when we see the inevitable end, it still is not easy, and no matter how much time we spend with those we love, it never seems enough.


One low was when Barb Wire Man was gone a lot.  His job kept him away for almost the entire week, and when he was home, he was sleeping, or had to leave soon.  I know some truck driving families who don't mind a bit when Daddy is gone...but we aren't that family.  I missed him so much, and so did the kids.  The only positive side was that it made us realize just how much we enjoy each other's company, friendship, and love.


Thankfully, there were many more high points!


Barb Wire Man has a great job, and he loves it....finally!  God really blessed him, with a boss who has the same views on family as he does, and a really, really cool truck.  Barb Wire Man has always wanted to drive a Peterbilt, and he is finally in one!


I was blessed to meet a wonderfully sweet lady at a park awhile back.  She invited me to visit her church, and I am so grateful she did.  We have found a church family where we feel welcomed, and I know we are right where God wants our family.


Little Man is potty-trained, need I say more!?


My Aggies beat Texas Tech.  (Had to throw that one in there!)




This Sunday, Flower was an acolyte at church for the first time!  My parents, and Barb Wire Man's parents came to watch her, and we were so proud.  I watched her as she walked down the church aisle to light the candles, and realized how grown up and mature she looks.  Daddy is going to have to buy a bigger gun to keep the boys at bay, I'm afraid.  My heart was so happy, I teared up a little!  The whole time I was reminded of the verse I pray over my children constantly: "I have no great joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth." (3 John 1:4)  She chose to participate in being an acolyte, because it was one way she could serve God, and be obedient to Him by helping her church.  I'm so very proud of her.


There will always be mountains, and there will always be valleys.  The question we must answer is how will we respond?  I've been through some major valleys in my life.  In fact, you could go so far as to call them chasms.  It would be so easy to just throw yourself down and shout "I GIVE UP!"


Instead, those valleys are a great time to stop, and really listen to God.  Instead of giving up, give it all up to God.  Because those are the times we learn how to really depend and rest on Him.  He loves us, and in the absolute worst times of our life He is there.  Attitude is everything.


I'll get off that soap box I occasionally pull out!  I pray each of you has a wonderful week!  Be blessed!

30 Day Challenge - Day 16

I know I missed yesterday's post...sorry!  But, Barb Wire Man took me to the doctor again, but hopefully this is the last time for awhile.  This time, we thought we were going to schedule a date for my gallbladder surgery.  Instead, we found out that he doesn't want to do the surgery yet! Woohoo!  Basically, my body is responding well to the medication that is supposed to make my gallbladder function well, and the doctor decided that as long as that continued, then there was no reason to go through the pain and hassle of surgery.  I'm quite happy, and thankful for that.  I was not looking forward to being laid up.  I'm not the type of person who does well not doing anything, and I seriously would have lost my mind!  Thank you for all your prayers!


So, here is today's 30 Day Challenge Question:
What are my views on mainstream music?


Simply put: it sucks.


I'm sad that most of today's most popular music stars don't know how to play an instrument. Sometimes, they can sing, but not without the aid of computer programs that help them hit notes (yeah, that is why they sound so different singing live!)


The lyrics to most of today's mainstream music are shallow and meaningless.  (Think: "I whip my hair....")


Used to, becoming a "rock star" was something you had to really earn.  These days, just about anyone and their dog can become famous.


Not a fan of mainstream music.  There are some that are OK, but I so rarely listen to it that I couldn't tell you the names!  What do you think of mainstream music?

30 Day Challenge - Day 15

I truly had a blessed day yesterday, and can't think of another way I would have wanted to spend my 29th birthday.  I had lots of family call, text, and send me facebook messages, and leave me comments on here.  I'm so thankful God has placed so many great people in my life.  My sweet little Flower came home from school with a 6 pictures that she and her friends had colored for me, to wish me a happy birthday!  She has taken a ton of "box tops" to school, and had accrued some "cash" as a reward.  Well, that sweet little girl spent it on a very awesome (if you are 8!) tie dyed looking rubber bracelet that says "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!".    I love it and will cherish it forever!  She was disappointed that the teachers wouldn't allow her into the teacher's lounge to buy me a coke, but I think her gisf was just wonderful!  
Barb Wire Man did get me a gift!  I was surprised that he even got me something, but he did great!  My neighbor's have a ton of antiques, and I am a sucker for antiques.  I love them.  She had a huge, and I mean huge pressure cooker that had all the accouterments, including the original book (which is dated 1959).  Its so big, you can put two levels of jars in it when canning.  I really, really wanted it.  She also had a beautiful silver tea serving set on a silver platter.  Since I collect tea pots, I really, really wanted it.  Barb Wire Man got me both!  The set set went straight up on the shelves where I keep my tea pots, and the pressure cooker is sitting on my stove.  Its so big, I can't even get it in my cabinets....I'll figure something out.  He did good.  He doesn't often get me gifts, but when he does, he gets me exactly the things I have been wanting!  Thank you, babe...I love you!


Now, onto the challenge.


Write 15 interesting facts about yourself.


Well, you asked for it.

1. I have more energy than a hummingbird on speed.
2. I haven't cut my hair in about 5 years.
3. I have really great handwriting, and am quite anal about it.  I've been known to re-write to do lists because I didn't like my handwriting, and sometimes just a note to a friend takes 3 or 4 tries before it looks just perfect!  bad hand writing annoys me, too!
4. I love music.  I can't even begin to tell you how varied my musical style is.  I love old country and new country.  I love the Blues.  I love Grunge, Hair Metal and Hard Rock.  I like alternative.  I love Christian. I even love Classical.  I can't stand rap or hip hop.  Basically, I like music in which the band actually plays their own music, and it takes more than five minutes to write the lyrics.
5. I'm hopelessly addicted to the History Channel, even though it often makes me mad.
6. I wear long skirts nearly every single day.  I hate wearing jeans, and think they are incredibly uncomfortable, but do it occasionally because Barb Wire Man likes it.  
7. I'm a daddy's girl.  Always have been, and I don't see that ever changing.
8. I think it would be a blast to live off-grid.  Barb Wire Man thinks its a ridiculous idea.
9. I would really love to have 2 more kids.  Again, Barb Wire Man thinks it is a ridiculous idea!
10. I don't have many close female friends.  I have a handful...some I have known forever, and some I am just getting to know.  Having a few who really know me and still love me is better than having a million who don't understand me.
11. I once wrecked a mo-ped.  Just ask my friend Melinda.  I still have the scars to prove it.
12. I have no tattoos.  Haven't decided if I really want on, either, but I do have my belly pierced.  And I totally rock the pierced-belly look.
13. I have a really horrible memory.  And I mean really bad.  I can run to the store that is only a few blocks away from my house and have to call my husband to remind me what I need.
14. I once asked that God would never allow me to be rich, because I didn't want it to change who I am. I told Him I only wanted enough to cover what I needed.  He answered that prayer....Barb Wire Man has asked me to change my prayer!
15. You can always expect to never know what to expect from me. My own mom sometimes raises her eyebrows at me.  But some things will never change.  I love the Lord,my husband, my children, my state, my friends, knitting, and tea....and in that order, too.  Yes, those things will never change.

30 Day Challenge - Day 14

What is my earliest memory?


First, though, it is quite appropriate that this is today's question, because today is my birthday.  I'm 29 today, and I think possible I will take my mother's approach and announce that this is the age I shall remain for the rest of my life.  Getting old really doesn't bother me all that much.  Shoot, even getting gray hair doesn't bother me as bad as it once did (see Proverbs 16:31 and Proverbs 20:29!).  I think what is really bothering me is that, in my head, I'm still about 19 years old.  My body just doesn't seem to agree with me!  Barb Wire Man said he had a surprise for me today.  We'll see.  It isn't that he doesn't remember, or that he doesn't care...he just sees birthdays as another day, and expects everyone else to feel the same.  I'll be sure to update if something changes!


But, I digress.


I don't really remember many specifics from this event, but I remember the emotions.  When I was two, my cousin was born, premature.  I really couldn't tell you anything about the situation (from memory), except that I remember everyone being very on edge and nervous.


The first memories I can remember perfectly are from when I was about 3 and 4.  I remember going through this phase where I wanted to be just like my dad, so I would wear wrangler jeans, boots, and a button-up flannel shirt!  If I wasn't wearing that, I was wearing a black leotard with white tights and gray leg warmers!


I remember a birthday cake my mom made for me, which I think would have been for my 3rd birthday.  It was a giant hot air balloon.  After attempting to decorate a cake once, I know now what my mom went through to do that, too.  Holy Moly, it must have taken her forever!!


It makes me wonder, what my children will look back and remember first?  What are some of your earliest and favorite memories?

In case you are wanting some thought provoking questions, or need some help getting the creative juices flowing, here is the 30 day challenge!

30 Day Challenge - Day 13

Day 13:  Somewhere I'd like to move or visit.

Well this one is an easy question!

I'd never move...at least not from Texas anyway.  I love Texas, and my family has been here for 10 generations, so I guess you could say we are quite vested in it!  I've even gone so far as to tell my husband that asking me to move out of Texas is almost divorce worthy.  (OK, not really.  He goes, I go...but he gets my drift!)

I want to visit Israel.  I've wanted to for as long as I can remember.  I've written in other posts the reasons, but I want to see the history.  I want to walk and touch the history.

I want to go to Ireland and Scotland.  My mom's family is Irish, and my dad's family is Scottish so I'd love to see some of the castles that family stories say once belonged to us.  I am moved by their music and speech.

I want to go to Norway.  Mike's family is Norwegian, and aside from the stories I have heard them tell, don't know much about the country.  I think it would be neat to learn more about their culture.  But, I'm not so sure about all of their food.  As long as someone will serve me Kringla while I am there, all will be well.

I think I would also enjoy visiting Washing D.C. and Virginia.  I'd like to see some Civil War sites, and our national landmarks.  (I think maybe I have a friend or two I could visit while I was there!)

I do not want to visit New York.  I know, I know...call me un-American.  But really, I don't.  No offense to anyone who lives and loves it there, but you have to understand...I live in a town with less than 20,000 people, and it is actually a pretty big town for this area!  We have two major streets, and everyone owns at least one car, usually two.  I can drive less than 5 minutes, and be in the wide open countryside, with nothing to see but the grass, sky, and more than likely a herd of cows.  Big cities are not for me in anyway.  I'm sure its a great city, but I get this mental image of myself in New York.  It involves me going into a nervous breakdown because there are so many people and buildings. I can't imagine looking ahead and not being able to see the countryside.

So, there you have it.  Anywhere with wide open spaces will be good for me!