I love America. I love living in this country and everything that comes with it. Sure, it has its ups and downs, but there is no place I would rather live. Even as crappy as things can get, we have so many rights and freedoms that other people around the world can only dream of. With the Fourth of July -- easily the most American holiday out there, it being our Independence Day and all -- I decided to name off 15 stereotypical things I love about being an American.

1. Baseball

America's Pastime. For some reason I will never understand, most other countries just haven't gotten into baseball and quite honestly they are missing out. As a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, few things sound better to me than grabbing a cold beer and plopping down in front of the TV for a few hours to watch my team play some quality baseball. Even better, going to a game, eating those delicious ballpark hotdogs and cheering loudly in the thick of the action. Go Cardinals!

2. Apple Pie

When I think America, I think homemade apple pie. Personally I think my mom makes it best, but really any apple pie will do. To me, it tastes like freedom and smells like America.

3. Football

I guess this goes hand-in-hand with baseball as another primarily American sport. When football season comes around, I can't help but get excited. And I will staunchly insist to anyone that even though the name doesn't make sense, this is the real football. Oh, and is there someway to make the Monday after Super Bowl Sunday a holiday? That would be amazing.

4. Bacon

Yum. Nobody else does it right. Canada, your bacon is ham. Go home and learn to do it right. If it's not dripping with grease and it doesn't smell like heaven, then it's not real bacon.

5. Fast Food

Yes, it's the reason we are one of the fattest nations in the world, but sometimes you just need a huge, artery-clogging burger with curly fries and an extra large soda. In-n-Out is to die for; the rest of the world would agree if they knew what they were missing.

6. Beer

Beer just goes well with everything American. Even bad beer is still pretty good. And again, for some reason, we are the only country to have the brilliant idea to invent drinking games like Beer Pong. Like the great Toby Keith sings, "Red Solo Cup, I fill you up, let's have a party."

7. Country Music

Some people don't like it, but I love it. Classic guitars, some fiddles, twangy accents and songs about beer, trucks and fishing. Songs about America.

8. Undefeated World War Champs

To me this means that when push came to shove, America stepped up and successfully helped protect its people and the rest of the world. Yeah, it's kind of a silly thing to say that we are the "champs," but hey, we don't let anyone attack us without striking back in kind.

9. Bald Eagles

The American bird. So majestic, so regal, so full of beauty, freedom and the American Spirit.

10. Gun Rights

Recently, we have been known as a country of gun nuts and it's easy to cast guns into a bad light, what with all the horrific shootings that happen far too often. But I am thankful and appreciate that I have the right to protect myself and my loved ones from anyone out there who might have worse intentions in mind. With guns, you hope that you never have to use them, but if you do, then you are glad that you had one.

11. American Flag

Old Glory. Red, white and blue. She's beautiful and few things bring me pride quite like seeing the sea of American flag-covered citizens on our Independence Day.

12. Cultural Melting Pot

We are probably the most diverse country in the world. When you think American, there is no single race that represents everyone. There are people of all different races and walks of life. Each culture has a rich story that contributes to the whole of America.

13. Armed Forces

I am so grateful to live in a country where we have such a proud and strong military. We have the freedoms we have because there are brave men and women who give their lives for us, people they have never met. I think that is pretty amazing.

14. Freedom

We are so lucky to live in a country where we have so many protected rights that we take for granted. We can complain about our government without fear of punishment because we have the freedom of speech. We can believe what we want because we have the freedom of religion. I can vote and work because women have equal rights. The list goes on.

15. Patriotism

We are incredibly proud of being Americans. We believe we live in the greatest country in the world. We shove our American pride in other people's faces. You know what that tells me? No matter what happens, the citizens of this great country will always love living here. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. God bless America.