I am from a small two-floor home at the bend of a silent street.

I am from an organized horse-themed room and wallpaper with hidden horses that always fool my friends, and the outstanding view of the faded red and off white Sutro Tower from my bedroom window.

I am from the smell of blue eucalyptus, fresh paint, and warm cinnamon rolls.

I am from my waking alarm clock of chirping birds in the early morning. 

I am from my cobwebbed trampoline and the bickering sounds of my mom convincing me and my brother to give it away, for some heated benches.

I am from the vintage chair my dad always sits on that squeaks when you move.

I am from the mosquitoes that bite you on warm nights, and the warmth our fireplace provides us on colder ones.

This is where I’m from.

I am from my flimsy cardboard inventions that always end in the dumpster a week later.

I am from the movies I create that I never gave up on, even when I wanted to.

I am from my love of helping people, hoping one day I will become a first responder.

I am from my dream of helping the homeless by creating stores all over the world, and providing organic food, bathrooms, a place to sleep, free medical care, free haircuts, showers, clothes, and rehabilitation so people can get a second chance. 

This is where I’m from.

I am from my dad’s famous Texas barbecue, and his signature meals are filled with so much flavor that even if your stomach is twice the size it should be, you always want seconds.

I am from my mom’s mouth-watering Thanksgiving pies, which are always eaten for breakfast the next morning.

I am from my occasional sweets, each time with a new recipe, and Everett’s famous pot-boiled hotdogs, he cooks whenever he has a chance.

I am from the sound of fresh coffee beans grinding every morning and the annoying Google timer that goes off every night. 

This is where I’m from.

I am from a Grace cathedral Christmas, a flavorful pina colada from The Tiki Bar at The Fairmont, and fresh crab at Scoma’s during the holidays.

I am from family matching holiday pajamas, The Nutcracker, and homemade Christmas cookies. 

I am from the juicy smell of baked cinnamon rolls and homemade smoothies on a Sunday morning. 

I am from pizza and movie Fridays, and sports ALWAYS on T.V!

This is where I’m from.

I am from the horrific but hilarious nickname my friends gave me, “Dumb Blonde.”

And the nickname I love, “Bee” that my Grandpa Jim calls me. 

I am from the words crazy, annoying, weird, and funny, to determined, considerate, thoughtful, and strong-willed.

This is where I’m from.

I am from San Francisco, the beautiful, busy, inspiring, Golden State.

I am from the strong energy of my household, and the crazy things we do together.

I am from the memories of my cobwebbed trampoline, and the long nights we used to spend on it.

I am from my kind brother and the love my parents and friends show me every day.

This is where I’m from.