Four years ago today, at around 12:00 noon, I drove my sister-in-laws car down the street towing my car behind to pull up to the front door of my brother’s house to begin my new life as a resident of Idaho.

That’s right, I’ve been an Idaho resident for FOUR YEARS.  Well, unless you want to consider the day I got my Idaho drivers license or something weird like that as the actual day I became a resident.  As far as I’m concerned, though, it was four years ago today.

A lots happen in those four years.  When I moved up here I wasn’t quite sure why I was going.  Now, looking back, I may not know all the reasons but I do know it was the right decision.

Four years ago I thought the deer that showed up on the front lawn was about the coolest thing ever.  Now, I think the deer are cool but, kind of a nuisance some days.  The moose on the other hand….

Four years ago driving down and iced street was about the scariest thing I’d ever experienced. Now, I don’t look forward to it but it’s really not that bad.

Four years ago I remember thinking how cold it was standing in front of the house.  Now, I sometimes forget a coat because it’s more of a nuisance than it’s worth.

Four years ago I though Idaho was the most amazing place on earth.  Now, I still think Idaho’s the most amazing place on earth.

12 was nice…because tonight driving home from the hospital it was 5 degrees out.  YES, 5 degrees.  No, I’m not missing any numbers it was single digits.

And it hurt.

A lot.

But, I’m home.  Also got my thermostat replaced in the living room so I’m even happy about my heat.

And tomorrow…my dad might be coming home.

I love contests and blog giveaways. I don’t usually enter because I don’t usually win that type of thing.  But, I want to win this giveaway.  Like I SERIOUSLY want to win this thing.

Well, you can help me. 

Here are the deets:  Giveaway: Wii Fit Plus & Fitness Ultimatum 2010.  I have no problem buying the Wii but I would LOVE to with that Wii Fit Plus.  If you want to enter yourself be sure you tell her that Lanel sent you.    (No, I’m not above begging and pleading my dear friends to get me more entries in a contest that I desparately want to win.)

So, my friend Dy over at Two Scoops shared her map and it was fun so I decided to share mine.  Some are placed I’ve driven through on my way to somewhere else but I was in the state long enough that I feel like I know it well enough to say I’ve been there.  I’m sure there are others that I’ve been in an airport once or twice but I’m not counting those.  I also might have gone through other while driving but I don’t remember so I’m not counting them. 

visited 20 states (40%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

There are more I’d like to visit…my east coast is looking pretty bland…I think I need to do more east coast traveling.  And poor North Dakota is looking pretty sad up there by itself.

I’m doing my first 5k the end of this month.  Why, I don’t know other than I want to do a 5k.  It’s the first one and a friend is holding me accountable.  Plus I paid my registration fees already.

I’d love your support!  Here’s the link to my support page if you’re able to support financially.  If not, I could still use the moral support.