I am from hot tortellini soup on cold nights.

And baking with my grandma.

From going to my cousins every christmas eve.

Going to the beach on the weekends with my dad,

And running to the water because of how bad my feet burn,

And swimming in the salty water and getting pummeled by waves.

I am from texting my dad that I love him every night before I go to bed.

From going to rancho la puerta every year to see my friends.

I am from sitting on my grandparents couch and watching the olympics.

Having sleepovers with my sister and watching movies,

Fighting with my sister and then hugging it out,

And from listening to country music at full blast.

I am from playing volleyball with my cousins and sharks and minos in the pool.

I am from early easter mornings and a big easter egg hunt.

From swimming in the pool so long our eyes burn and we can barely see.

I am from my dad making pizza and the cheese burning my mouth

And going on late night car rides to look at christmas lights and drink apple cider.

From my little sister running into my room to wake me up at 5am.

I am from “family nap” where no one ever napped.

And taking Christmas card photos every year.

To matching pajamas every christmas.

And all of this.

Is where I'm from.