Fantastic Thing No. 4

Life is more fun when you get really into things.

As one who is constantly talking down to myself, convincing myself that I’m nothing special, and making myself feel otherwise inadequate, I feel that it’s ok sometimes to talk about the things I’m good at.

You know, as long as I don’t get too narcissistic. :)

But guys, if there’s one thing I think I’m pretty good at, it’s using my imagination and totally plunging into another world. :) I’m serious, once I’m in that other world, I am IN that other world! My brain no longer knows the life I’ve lived for near 24 years. I am, and always was, a wizard (well, witch), a seeker of a fabled flute, an Oscar’s event planner, etc. Three of my favorite recent adventures? Read on!

Scenario 1: Avenger

There’s an elementary school close to where I live. One time, my roommates and I decided to play there because, well, we felt like it. It has a huge rope structure that looks like a giant spider web, a weirdo piece of metal that you try to climb up and then slide down, swings, monkey bars, a play set with a captain’s wheel or two, etc. The whole thing reminded me of the Avengers, mostly because of the spider web. I felt like freakin the Black Widow! All of the sudden, I was an Avenger at Avenger Training Camp. Everyone had to choose a name and a power, and everything was a matter of life and death. Also, I think I was like 5 years old. (Explains the life and death importance.) As a dauntless leader I sailed our ship through mighty waters. Oh, the treachery! Swift as a ninja I scaled the web. Upon reaching the top, I made the boldest, truest speech of all speeches, its memory transcending the test of time through books and movies and legends passed down from generation to generation, but the work itself being so pure and moving in its brilliant craft that it could never, ever be replicated. My life had meaning and purpose, and it was to save the world. I knew that Avenger Training Camp was going to help me fulfill my destiny.

Then it was time to go home because, well, you know, finals.

Scenario 2: Professional Stat-Keeper

It’s basketball season for my youngest brother. A couple Saturdays ago, he had two games, and I went to both. My dad couldn’t attend either game, so he asked me to send him updates. Not that I mind keeping him the loop, but texting updates to my family during games can SUCK. You can’t just watch the game! But it’s cool. Another younger brother (Daniel) was also at the games, and he was texting our oldest brother (Michael) updates, so once he found out I was texting our dad, he’s like, “Hey, send those to Michael, too!” At that point, the first game was about over. The second game was in another gym, so we walked over once the first game was done. Michael met us there. I texted the rest of my family members before Game 2 to see if anyone else wanted updates. Then this happened:

Me:  Welcome to the OHS Sophomore Basketball Team Update Service. Our services include score updates at the end of every quarter, as well as updates on our Spotlight Player. Today’s Spotlight is: Enoch Fiso (#11). The game will begin shortly. Thank you for choosing the OHS Sophomore Basketball Team Update Service.

Dad: Thank you!

Dad: Is he playing?

Me: I’m sorry, this game has not started yet. Our services will begin at tipoff.

Sister: :)

Me: Game has started. Fiso is not yet playing.

Dad: Who are they playing?

Me: OHS vs. Jordan

Dad: Is he playing?

Me: Today’s Spotlight has just entered the game. 2:56 left in the 1^st quarter.

Me: End of 1^st Quarter: 5-15 Tigers. Fiso with 1 #SICK block and 1 rebound.

Dad: Great!

Me: Enoch Fiso with a 3!

Dad: Great! How is his defense?

Brother: Nice.

Me: He’s playing a good game.

Me: Fiso with a layup!

Dad: Yahoo!

Me (format borrowed from texts ESPN sends me): OHS lead JHS 30-21 at halftime. OHS: E Fiso 5pts, 4reb, 1blk.

Me (but it was actually Daniel): One super sick block! Michael got it on camera.

Me: That was from our intern, Daniel Fiso.

Me: Start of the 3^rd quarter, Fiso still in.

Mom: Awesome

Dad: Send me the block, please.

Me: Our services to not include instant replays. …plus, it’s hard to see on his phone anyway. Better on a computer.

(sidenote: Michael was filming on a GoPro, and he was streaming it through his phone)

Me: Enoch Fiso Fiso was fouled but only made one free throw.

Dad: Okay. Cheer him on!

Me: Missed two free throws.

Me: OHS down 39-42 at the end of the 3^rd.

Dad: How is Enoch playing?

Me: He’s tired.

Sister: Bummer!

Me: 2 free throws in.

Mom: Yea!!!!!!!!!

Dad: How much time remaining?

Me: 1:05 remaining. Enoch just put in a free throw.

Sister: He is shooting a lot of free throws!

Me: Just made two free throws. Orem wins 61-54. Stats to follow.

At this point, I just sent over the list of stats I’d been keeping without formatting them like ESPN does. But I figure that’s one way to get through having to text people the whole game! :)

Scenario 3: Secret Agent (Op PX)

Some of my siblings and I have been scheming for a full year. Our plan? Operation Polar Express. :) Basically we’re sneaking out after our parents lay out our Santa presents in the wee hours of Christmas morning, picking up Michael and Elise, going to 7/11 to get slurpees/hot chocolate, reading The Polar Express, and looking at Christmas lights. But we’re not just doing that. No, it’s a SECRET MISSION. :) We’ve devised a plan, given ourselves nick names, and even labeled areas in our house to fit the occasion! For example: The front door = Port of Entry 1. Back Doors = Port of Entry 2A and PoE 2B. Stairways = Shafts. Our house = Home Base. Michael and Elise’s house = Orem South Base. etc. It’s AWESOME. I sent this text out to the peeps to brief them on our upcoming adventure. This is where I was feeling particularly proud of myself:

Attention OpPX Team:

37.5 hours until commencement. Here’s a list of the nicknames I have so far:

Squad 1

Michael: Coach

Elise:

Squad 2

Melissa: Assistant to the Regional Manager

Stephanie: Aurora

Daniel: D Mack

Aaron: Red Leader

Enoch: Echo Foxtrot

Plan: Squad 2 leaves Home Base at appr. 0200 hours on Christmas Morning. Arrive at Orem South Base at appr. 0210 hours. Hit up 7-11, drive around seeking out impressive Christmas displays, read the Polar Express. Return Squad 1 to Orem South Base appr. 0300 hours. Squad 2 returns to Home Base appr. 0307. Fall out.

Michael and Elise texted me back correcting their nicknames, to which I responded informing them that these changes had been updated in the mission database. I’ll have to let you know how this one turns out, because we’re all so stoked for it! :)

Like I said:

Life?

Life is good.

And sometimes, it’s even better when you get really into things. :)