I’m wiped out today. What with all the being convicted and trying not to grumble and everything. It’s enough to plum (plumb?) wear a girl out. Actually, I’m mostly worn out because I went to bed at 2am and got up at 6:15 to drive 90 minutes to my sister’s church to speak to her Mom’s group.

The title of my talk was “50 Years From Now” and I kind of just dumped on them (Girls, I apologize for my rambling thoughts–you were so patient and attentive!). Shared some special treasures from my grandma, my great-grandma, Gabe’s grandma, my mom, my mom-in-law–stuff that’s not worth much monetarily but is priceless to me because it’s a symbol of my godly heritage. Talked about my burning desire to live a life that brings God glory and doesn’t reek of self-centeredness. Pondered what that might look like.

Anyway. The title of my post? Totally unrelated to my first two paragraphs. The girls and I were talking about states tonight. Ava had a U.S. puzzle out and asked me to recite all 50 in alphabetical order and when I told her I couldn’t, she was incredulous. “You don’t know them?” “Not in alphabetical order,” I said. She lifted her eyebrows and shrugged as if to say, “What were they teaching kids in schools back in the 80’s anyway?”

I miss traveling! Besides Indiana, I haven’t been outside the state of Ohio in three months. But never fear! We’re heading to a special state later this week for a few days (more on that later). And going back to the zoo (Lord willing)!

So, since I’ve been feeling a weight, a burden, a responsibility on my shoulders the past couple days (weeks?), I need something light today. Like some 1-word comments. Ready to represent your state? Now, you have to promise me you won’t say anything else but the name of the state you live in. Not anything about your football team. Not a paragraph about why your state rules and the rest drool. I’m tired. Humor me.

I’m going to guess that Ohio will come in first with Indiana, Texas and Florida tied for second (not that this is a competition and not that I have any basis for my picks–except the Ohio part)

Anyway. You ready to REPRESENT?

In two words or less, what’s the name of the state in which you live? (if you’re outside of the US, you may answer however you’d like)

EDIT (9:21am, EST): Smiling because almost everyone is from the Eastern third of the U.S. so far (unless you commented late last night). Our Mountain-Dwellers and West Coasters aren’t up and at ‘em yet. Ohio = 9. Texas and Michigan tied with 4.