Growing up, I thought that Wisconsin was the coolest place to live in the entire world. But then again, that's mainly because I thought that there wasn't any other place besides Wisconsin. When I was little, I had this idea in my head that the whole world was Wisconsin and there was nothing else. Maybe that comes with appreciating everything at first glance when you're a child, and being happy with the things that you have because it's such a simpler time and you don't really expect anything else. Or maybe it's also because I did a lot of "Wisconsin" things growing up -- camping, fishing, hiking, visiting farms during grade school field trips, riding horses in the woods, going apple picking, corn mazes with my family, Friday night fish fries, trips to Lake Michigan, going to Door County or Wisconsin Dells and just over all experiencing every bit of Wisconsin like it was the best place on earth. I didn't know anything else, but I was happy.
And then I turned into a teenager and complained about Wisconsin. I learned that there were other places to reside that had "more to do." I was angsty, bored and my heart drifted to other places, near and far -- mainly far. I still liked Wisconsin, but as I got older, I craved a change and I started to resend my homeland -- the place where I grew up. There's nothing wrong with that, and we all go through it at some point, but my complaints and restlessness were annoying and never ending. It seemed like the beautiful autumn nature hikes and rolling hills didn't matter anymore.
But as of recently, I have started to appreciate the things that Wisconsin has to offer. I think it's the fact that I'm getting older, and that I have been falling into similar habits of appreciating the small things, similar to when I was a little girl. I also just got back from Florida the other day, and as much as I do love Florida, I found myself unexpectedly missing my home state -- which is unusual for me. These are the reasons I was reminded why I really do actually love Wisconsin.
Rolling Hills
I've learned to appreciate the vibrant rolling hills. I've realized that I'm not really a fan of flat ground. Besides, these hills aren't just beautiful -- they're fun for rolling down. (Yes, I still do that at 21.)
Autumn Is Beautiful
Autumn just looks better in Wisconsin. There is nothing like the orange, red and yellow leaves that take over the woods of this remarkable state. It's quite possibly my favorite.
Four Seasons
Even though Wisconsin's weather can be so unpredictable, one thing always changes, and that is the seasons. Some might be hotter or colder than the others, but there is always a spring, autumn, winter and summer.
Friday Night Fish Fry's
I wouldn't understand a world without fish fries! Wisconsin tradition!
All Of The Cheese
Alright, if you live in Wisconsin and you don't understand what the big deal with cheese is all about, then you need to pack up your bags and leave. Cheese is up there with the rest of my favorite foods, and I'm proud that I hail from the state that is known for producing a lot of this addicting dairy stuff.
Hot Drinks
Especially when you get the excuse to drink all of the hot cider and pumpkin spice lattes in the fall or when it's just chilly out.
Madison
I've loved Madison ever since I was first exposed to it. All the shops, State Street, the Capitol and the big city vibes filled with different cultures? Yes.
The Beautiful Lakes And Rivers
For all of the outdoor adventures, the hiking, the camping, the fishing, the swimming. I am a city girl, but at heart, I am a nature girl as well.
Summerfest
I am a concert junkie. Enough said.
It Will Always Be Home
I'm definitely traveling soon -- that's never changed. My goal right now is to move to the west coast because I know my heart belongs there. But at the end of the day, I know that I can always come back to Wisconsin. I mean, that's where I was born, raised and made a million memories. How can I just leave that behind? I can travel the world, but I can't deny that I am a Wisconsinite -- a Wisconsin girl.
