The Good Parts About 2021
It wouldn't be the end of the year if I didn't have this blog post, now would it? 2021 feels like three different years thrown together. My life looks so different than this time last year, and don't worry, I'll get into that soon, but first and foremost: the 2021 recap. (If you’re new here, read the recaps from 2018, 2019, and 2020!)
We really started the year off on probably the worst note ever with the history changing and terrifying January 6th insurrection. This year has been so long, I almost thought that it happened last year. But no, the insurrection happened and added to the many dark days in American history. But then, Olivia Rodrigo was there on January 8th to let us all scream the lyrics to "Drivers License," which ended up in my top 5 songs of the year on Spotify Wrapped. And then bam, right when we thought things are looking up, we were hit with a wave of anti-Asian hate crimes that made me horribly depressed and SAD. But nevertheless, even if 2021 was horrible to most people in the world, it was honestly amazing for Pete Davidson, the creator of Squid Game, and Britney Spears (#FreeBritneyForever!). I'm probably missing so much, but let's be honest, I think 2021 fried my brain.
But 2021 didn't fry my brain enough to not be able to reflect on all of the good things that happened to me this year. And here's my list!
Vaccine
Raise your hand if you're vaccinated (and boosted)! I can so distinctly remember what it was like to find out that my sister Simone and her partner Clay got their vaccines in January of 2021 due to Clay's Cystic Fibrosis, and that feeling of relief and happiness is incomparable. Coley and I got our vaccines a couple months later in April, and we drove all the way to a little town called Putnam County, where we nervously waited to be jabbed. Then we did it again for our second shot in May, and again this past December for our booster! I got vaccinated to not only keep myself safe, but to keep my community safe. Definitely a highlight of the year.
Graduation
In May, I officially graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Contemporary Dance, and Human Rights. It feels insane to think I have a degree to my name, but it feels good to say. College was a rollercoaster, but I ended my college career with all A's (take that Supply Chain Technologies class!). In the essence of a congratulatory speech, I know I couldn't have done it without my many free snacks from the UCS, accounting and finance explanations from my tutor Rachel, and Uber drives from Coley back and forth from my apartment to Kelley. But don't worry Bloomington, I'll be back to finally try Kilroy's, so this isn't the last of me!
Florida
After graduation in May, Coley and I trekked down to West Palm Beach, Florida with our guinea pig Toaster for a two month long stay at my dad's house! I finally got a chance to reconnect with my roots (did you know I was born in Florida?), and enjoyed a very long stay filled with swimming and eating a lot of cucumber sandwiches. I got soooo tan and Toaster lived his best life in this massive guinea pig home my dad bought him. I loved every bit of not studying and not keeping track of days!
Splash
If you've been following along and not living under a rock, you'll know that Coley and I brought Toaster a big little brother home in July! I've been DYING to have a dog my whole life, and after Coley's dog Bailey passed away last April, I knew we had to get another Goldendoodle. But because we were moving to an apartment in Chicago, a mini Goldendoodle was the way to go. Splash has now been in our lives for 7 months and I can't imagine life without him, even if we do wake up everyday at 7 am to him whining for social interaction. If you're missing out on Splash content, don't worry, I have SO much planned for 2022! Splash will be the star of the show.
Chicago
Oh yeah, did I mention I'm officially back in Chicago? Coley and I officially moved in together in July in our first ever city apartment! I'm 100% obsessed with our building and our adorable home, and it feels good to know I won't have to pack up all my stuff and move in a couple of months. I love having a home base where all my stuff can be found. Now some of my favorite things include ordering Small Cheval, walking the riverwalk with Splash and Coley, and getting the chance to go to any concert I want because I'm an adult and don't need permission to go!
McDonald’s
Would it really be a 2021 wrap up if I didn't mention my job I started? Once again, McDonald's makes the list! I started my job at the end of July, and I've only just hit 6 months. But over that time, I've met so many people I love, so many cool projects that I've gotten a chance to work on, and led a DE+I strategy that got us maternity parking at headquarters! I won't delve into it any deeper, but I'm so grateful to finally be earning a solid and steady income. It makes buying Christmas presents SO much better lol. Also, look at my outfits that I’ve worn in the office!
Ann Taylor
It feels insane to think that I got my first brand deal with Ann Taylor this year, but it just goes to show that anything can happen when you cold pitch! I cold pitched to Ann Taylor over my winter break last year, and since then I've worked with them time and time again. But not only has it been a dream brand to work with, I honestly can say my work clothes closet is a banger because of them. Pink tweed suits? Yes please!
Bleachers
I'm about 85% sure Bleachers made my list last year, but I had to have them on here again because Coley and I FINALLY got to see them live in October! During that one lull in the pandemic where everything felt somewhat okay, Coley and I made our way up to north to the Aragon Ballroom. We didn't wait in line too long, but luckily we ended up in the 3rd row. It was absolutely insane, and I now have a core memory of sitting on Coley's shoulders during "Rollercoaster."
West Elm Sheets
Alright, if you know anything about me or Coley, you know that we LOVE West Elm. And although we really can't afford much from them, we knew that something we wanted to splurge on for our first apartment together was nice linen sheets. Coley found these, and very easily convinced me to buy them with him in replacement of Anniversary or Valentine's Day gifts. And guys, it was WORTH IT. We now have to pairs of these linen sheets in both White and Natural Flax! Buy them here.
Myself
This shouldn't even be a surprise to see myself on this list! This year has been a year of first: first apartment, first dog, first job. I'm really proud of myself of getting through another hard year of just life. It's really easy to just get swallowed by all of the horrible things that have happened this year, and sometimes knowing you made it out alive is good enough.
For 2022, I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Hopefully at least next year I'll be able to leave the country! Stay safe, stay healthy, and wear your mask.