The Good Parts About 2019
I literally cannot believe it’s already the end of 2019 and almost the start of a new decade. 2019 has been another whirlwind, and I’m ready to talk about it with you all once again. Reflecting back on my previous blog post about 2018, I was all about highlighting the crappy things that happened during the year. I could do that again in this intro, but honestly, I think 2019 was a year of hope for all of us here on earth.
Just to give you a little recap, 2019 lowkey rocked? Like yes, there were horrible things that happened, but also, there were a lot of really really good moments. Sandra Oh made history as the first person of Asian descent (!!) to host the Golden Globes. The MOST diverse class of lawmakers in history was sworn into the 116th Congress including my girl AOC! My friend Cece finally dumped her Republican boyfriend LMAO. Trump get impeached. Canada created an Arctic conservation zone almost as big as Germany to protect its sea birds, whales, and polar bears. I convinced my whole I-CORE team to stop buying their one-use plastic water bottles and start using reusable water bottles. My favorite location for The Real Housewives (Dallas) came back on the air. So yes, in retrospect, 2019 was really good.
But personally, 2019 was a year of GROWTH. I became like a real-life adult this year, and honestly, I am here for it.
South Africa
I still cannot believe I got to spend two weeks of my life parading around South Africa and learning about one of the most important topics you could learn about: human rights. Our trip was not only incredibly impactful but also so beautiful. I remember standing at the top of this mountain, in the middle of the African Savanna, watching the sunset, and all I could think was I never wanted to leave that moment. Also, I tried my best to document my time there, but then I low-key died, and I literally did not make it past like four days of writing HAHA. I did make a cute montage video though! Watch it here.
Malaysia
This May, my dad, Coley, and I hopped on a plane and flew from Chicago to Shanghai to Kuala Lumpupr, Malaysia for my cousin’s wedding! We met up with my sisters and their boyfriends once we got to KL, and it was just a week full of festivities and cultural experiences. Coley had never traveled outside of the country before, so it was so fun getting to show him my culture and introduce him to literally ALL of my extended family. Best part for a fact was our Airbnb’s rooftop pool that we swam in every night. I literally still dream about the pool, that’s how beautiful it was.
Charlotte, North Carolina
I lived and survived on my very own this summer in Charlotte, North Carolina! It was my first time moving so far away from my family, and honestly, I had a blast. I lived in this cute tiny little bungalow in Southend, and I filled my weekends with writing, watching movies, and exploring random areas of Charlotte. Honestly, I’m sad I don’t get to live there anymore because I was starting to become obsessed with Flower Child and their avocado salads. Also, my love letter to Charlotte is my best blog post to date, and that’s on that.
McDonald’s
Guys. I got a JOB. A real life, big girl, corporate job! This summer I am going to be interning at one of the most iconic companies out there, McDonald’s, at their headquarters in Chicago, and I am ECSTATIC. Recruiting this year had to be one of the toughest things to happen in 2019, but honestly, all my hard work paid off, and I am so happy. Recruiting in general this year was basically just four months of an emotional rollercoaster, mostly because it was SO different than when I recruited last year. Should I do another blog post about getting internships? Let me know. I have so much to say about it HAHA.
Bleachers
I know my first four good things about 2019 points have been mostly countries and a job, but let’s dig into the GOOD STUFF. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with feeling like I’m living in my own coming of age, teen, indie movie even though I am neither a teen or indie enough to be considered indie. Bleachers, aka my king Jack Antanoff, has continuously supplied me this year with the best soundtrack for my movie. Yes, I know, he hasn’t released a new record in TWO YEARS, but I don’t care. Wake Me? Don’t Take the Money? I Miss Those Days? ALL PERFECT RECORDS.
Yoke Lore
Okay here’s another music one, but I don’t care because everyone needs new music going into 2020. Coley and I have been boppin’ to Fake You by Yoke Lore for a while now, and in July Coley spontaneously bought tickets for us to see him in Bloomington! Let me tell you, this show was one of the best ones I have seen EVER. The venue was small and intimate, and Yoke Lore live did not disappoint. Beige and Truly, Madly, Deeply live was iconic. I wish I could add in a concert clip but honestly, no one would watch it except me probably HAHA.
Democratic Debates
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. The Democratic Debates are MY Super Bowl. With the 2020 elections approaching rapidly, being an informed voter is one of the many things I can do to help this country. I’ve loved watching each and every Democratic Debate this year, and I’m excited to see what will happen at the next one (December 19th!!). But also like, can we please get a person of color on the stage? I cannot have another all white Democratic Debate stage, I really cannot. Also, if you haven’t been following the debates or politics in general, get caught up on the people running for president here! Also, here’s your reminder to register to vote!!
Cheddar Drop Biscuits
If you follow my Instagram, you KNOW I have perfected my cheddar drop biscuit recipe. I have always wanted to learn how to make biscuits, especially since it’s Coley’s favorite food, and I finally found a somewhat easy recipe that makes biscuits fast and easy. I’m probably going to make a blog post about how to make them, so look forward to that in the future. But I’m telling you now, they’re SO GOOD, and I can literally make them in less than 20 minutes.
Light Pink Everlane Rain Boots
These became my favorite shoes this year and I cannot stop wearing them. Coley gifted me a pair of Everlane’s light pink rain boots for either my birthday or anniversary (honestly can’t remember), and they ARE AMAZING. Not only is Everlane a sustainable company, but these shoes are basically my all-terrain shoes. I wear them in the snow, the rain, and even when it’s beautiful outside. You can get them here and match me! They come in a bunch of colors but pink is my favorite. I also had to half size down and got a 6 even though I’m typically a 6 ½. They fit perfectly, and I can still wear thick socks with them!
Myself
As usual, I’m adding myself to the list because I honestly made MOVES this year. I visited five different states, three different countries, and I lived my best life in each place. I created my own individualized minor and will be the first person from Indiana University to graduate with a minor in Human Rights. I had my first job this summer and secured my second job for next summer. I made so many new friends and survived I-CORE.
2019 was good, but I know 2020 will be even better. Just remember to register to vote.