There's no denying that Arizona is one incredible state and it's definitely a place that I am proud to call home. We may not have the beaches of California, the amusement parks of Florida or the unique, exotic and extremely fast-paced city life of N.Y.C., but I'm grateful to say that I am from a state as wonderful as this one and here's why.

1. Our sunsets look as though they were hand painted by God himself.

The Big Man Upstairs really knows how to paint a pretty picture. Using the sky as His canvas, we will often see beautiful arrangements of red, orange and yellow across the horizon at sunset. Other times, the clouds resemble cotton candy under dazzling pink and blue hues. Would you believe me when I say that these amazing sunsets happen almost every evening?

2. Our local food.

We have a ton of local restaurants with unbelievable food that you can't get anywhere else. Can you say El Guero Canelo, Eegees or El Molinitos? Don't even get me started on our authentic Mexican food. Going out to eat here is like a recreational activity and especially here in Tucson, there's no shortage of mouthwatering options to choose from.

3. The Grand Canyon!

Arizona is home to a world freaking wonder! People from all over the world come to see, hike and camp in this massive landform. There's no words to describe what it's like to be looking at this picture perfect World-Heritage site in person. A surprisingly large amount of Arizona residents haven't taken the trip up to visit this overwhelming canyon; so shame on you if you live here and haven't. If you ever make a visit to Arizona, then make sure that this is number one on your to-do list.

4. Sedona.

Along with visiting the Grand Canyon, add Sedona to your list! This cute artsy town is an adventurer's dream. About 100 miles south of the Grand Canyon, you'll find red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community. You can explore the various hikes, bird watch, experience the energy vortexes, ride a hot air-balloon or if you're feeling crazy enough, take the plunge and sky dive above the beautiful desert and red-rock formations.

5. State Parks.

The Grand Canyon and Sedona aren't the only places of beauty to do your hiking and exploring. Arizona is home to 30 state park units scattered all across the state. You can adventure through the desert and cacti of southern Arizona or the pine trees and brisk air of northern Arizona.

6. It's possible to be tanning in southern Arizona and go skiing in northern Arizona within the same week.

You might attend a pool party and be hanging out in your bikini on a February weekend in southern Arizona, but it's not uncommon for the weather to take a turn and for snow to fall just a few days later in northern Arizona. There's no rhyme to the reason when it comes to weather here, but we've all just learned to accept and endure the bi-polar weather.

7. With the above being said, you're basically tan all year round.

Example: Arizonan vs. Non-Arizonan

Who doesn't appreciate having a golden glow and sun-kissed skin about 10 out of the 12 months of the year?

8. Monsoon season.

Our monsoon season begins in June where the wind picks up, clouds start rolling in, cumulus thunderheads darken the sky and most Arizonans wait eagerly for the first quenching drops of rain. There's something special about rainfall in the desert and not just because it's rather an infrequent occurrence. The smell of the wet dirt, the way the dark clouds loom over the desert landscape and the sound of the rain pouring over our roofs is a nice change to our dry environment.

9. No daylight savings time.

All I know about daylight savings time is that for some reason people in other parts of our country have to move their clocks some way or another. However, I don't have to worry about that because here in Arizona, daylight savings time doesn't exist.

10. Mexico is only a short drive away.

Yeah, Arizona may be lacking in the beach department, but if you drive just a few hours south, then you'll end up in the vacation destination of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico. You could spend your weekend or spring break drinking in the sun, swimming in the warm Mexico waters, sipping on piña coladas straight from the pineapple or eating mangos on a stick doused in chili. Additionally, as if Arizona's Mexican food wasn't authentic enough, here you'll get the real deal from the country itself.

It may have taken me 20 years and a trip across the world for me to fully appreciate where I grew up, but I couldn't be more proud to call myself an Arizonan. No matter where I go or where I may wander off to, this magnificent place will always be home.