Me, Myself, and I in Four Epithets

So tell me about yourself.
The first things I think about when someone says that to me usually aren't about my age, my schooling, or my placement in my family tree. Although those are the generic answers I usually give, there are a few specific things that I really want to share when I tell about myself. And that is because they do it so well. So here they are. The four epithets of me, myself, and I. 

Cultivating Creator
 

There are a lot of things that I love and that I am passionate about. But there is one thing that just speaks to my soul: improving the aesthetic appearance of a piece of land by changing its contours, adding ornamental features, or planting trees and shrubs. Or in simpler terms, landscaping. The feeling of soil between my fingers and the smell of freshly cut grass get me high. Beauty, to me, is seeing order in a natural way. Seeing such a diverse scene of colors and textures,  each in their element and space, recharges me, clears my mind,  and gives me a clear perspective. I'm a creator. I work with my hands. I feel most like myself when I am outside working, on my knees, sleeves rolled up, dirt under my nails, and sweat dripping down the side of my face. I love creating and making things beautiful. It's what I do. It's what I study. It's more than my love and passion. 

Serious About Soccer

There are 90 specific minutes that I take very seriously and one of my favorite sayings is "Life's a game. But soccer is serious." I dance on the line bordering passionate and obsessed. I get such a rush stepping on the pitch and starting a game. There is such a mental challenge and strategy in soccer and every time I'm playing the gears in my head are moving 100 miles per hour. The adrenaline rush I felt my first time skydiving pales in comparison to what I feel when I hear that unforgettable, sharp 'snap!' as the ball sinks into the corner of the net. It echos in my ears and that rush seems to last for an eternity. But what I love most is what this sport has taught me and how it has shaped me into the person I am today. Soccer has taught me that there is always more than one player involved. It's never a one-man show. Everything I do effects another whether we are both aware of it or not. Be a team player. Be alert. Think fast. Protect the ball. I've learned how to move and be flexible, not so much literally as figuratively. Directions change so quickly, without notice, and without stopping. I've learned how to accept and embrace those changes. 

Patriotic Passion

I love meeting new people. I love those moments of first getting to know someone and going through the questions you ask when you're on a blind date. Usually something like this:

"Where are you from?"

"Provo."

"What is your favorite food?"

"Lasagna."

"What kind of music do you like?"

"Alternative, R&B"

"What do you like to do?"

"Play soccer."

"What is your favorite holiday?"

"July 4th."

"Cool. Wait, what?..."

The looks I get are great. And they are always followed with "Seriously? More than Christmas?".

Its true. I love Independence Day more than any other day of the year. Its hard for me to pin-point any one reason to love it. We celebrate it in the summer sun, barbecuing, playing at the pool, eating popsicles, and going to parades. I have every verse of The Star Spangled Banner memorized. Chills run through my whole body when I hear the deep bang of fireworks. Parade sirens make my heart beat fast as they escort Old Glory down the streets that are lined with people wearing their patriotism. In elementary school when we would learn and sing patriotic songs, I was without doubt "that kid" that sang the loudest and the proudest. July 3rd for me, is always a sleepless night. I feel like most little children on Christmas Eve laying awake anxiously waiting for the next day. Nothing makes me stand taller than pledging my allegiance to the country that has made possible every incredible opportunity I've been given.

Love To Laugh

They say laughter is the best medicine and that is why I'm convinced that I almost never get sick. I absolutely love to laugh. One late night not too long ago I was unable to sleep. To pass the time I watched video clips on my phone of Ellen Degeneres and of Jimmy Fallon. Forgetting I had headphones in and that the rest of the sleeping house couldn't enjoy the hilarious commentary I was listening to, I started laughing out loud. Alone with headphones, I was oblivious to the fact that I was laughing twice as loud than I normally do because I couldn't hear myself. A few minutes and a lot of laughs later my mom entered my room looking at me like I had gone crazy. "Are you... okay?" she asked concerned. Between my giggles and little gasps for breath, I pointed to my phone and said, "Ellen! So! Funny!" followed by my insincere apology of "Haha! So! Sorry!" There are few things I love more than spending time with funny people and laughing until my cheeks are stiff and my abs are aching.