The Good Parts About 2022
It’s that time of year AGAIN! It’s crazy to think this is my 5th time recapping my year (read 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 here!), but so many more things happened in 2022 than I ever thought would happen, and I’m ready to bring back the highlights.
When I look back at 2022, I feel like things weren’t as bad as 2021! Don’t get me wrong, there were still horrible things that happened this year (I could make a huge list but the main things that come to mind are the start of the war in Ukraine, endless list of school shootings, and the overturning of Roe v Wade), but there were also triumphant days like how the Dems pulled it off in the midterms, Taylor Swift’s new album, and when the FBI raided Mar-a-lago which was just iconic.
But anyway, let’s get into how MY year went! This year turned out completely different than I thought it would (like who had me moving to California on their bingo card? Not me), but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
San Francisco
Obviously had to put the biggest change on here as the first on the list! Coley and I officially moved out to San Francisco in July of this year. With everything packed up in a HUGE moving truck and only the necessities in our car, we took our pets and us cross country to start a new chapter in California!
We’ve lived here about 6 months now, and I’m really starting to enjoy the Northern California life. Everywhere you turn, the nature is breath-taking, and I love finding the random California-isms I’ve never heard of before. I’m still adjusting (my therapist says it takes over a year to fully adjust!), and I cannot wait to explore the city/state even more in 2023.
London
This year has been so long, I almost forgot London happened! If you know me, you know I’ve been DYING to go to London ever since I was like 12 (thanks One Direction!), and I finally got to do it with Coley as a belated graduation gift from my dad. It was so perfectly timed because I officially quit McDonald’s on a Thursday, and I was in London by Saturday! What a way to celebrate lol.
We did ALL the London things! The old churches, the monarchy attractions, and the high teas, but my absolute favorite was our day trip out to the Cotswolds. Coley and I always talk about if we go back, we’re only going there. London solidified my love for sausage rollups and well-behaved dogs, and cemented itself as one of my favorite places.
My Chicago Apartment
I could probably make a whole ode to Chicago, but I thought I would narrow it down to my apartment instead. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t wish I could have picked up the building and plopped it in SF. I’ll never forget the lobby that smelled SO good, our beautiful balcony with my favorite view, and how Splash grew up in that building with his best friend only a couple floors up.
Coley and I were late to the hosting game, but once we found out we were moving, we ended up hosting at our place over 4 different times and I’m so glad we did! The space was perfect for small get togethers, and I loved that we made even more memories there. Also, my apartment made me blow up on TikTok for the first time, so yes, it was worth the 3.2k rent.
New York City
Speaking of 2022 travels, this one was a surprise! I did not have NYC on my docket for the year, but my new job at Visa surprised me with a sponsored trip out to the east coast for a marketing bootcamp! I flew in a little early to spend time with my dad and stepmom, and we ate such good food. I fell in love with the city (I hadn’t been since I was a senior in high school), and I desperately want to move there now lol.
Designer Bags
I cannot believe that I actually became interested in designer bags. That’s something I NEVER thought I would like because honestly, I’m pretty money conscious, but when I was in NYC, my dad and I went shopping and I became obsessed. I ended up getting my first ever designer bag, a beautiful Salvatore Ferragmo bag, and soon after, bought a LV bag second-hand! Say hello to my new babies lol.
Visa
I started a new job, in a new industry, and in a new role, and it was probably the best decision I made this year. For the first time, I’m 100% in love with the work I’m doing and I can genuinely tell people that I love my job. On top of that, I know everyone always brags about having the best team, but I truly have the BEST team. It makes going into the office so much easier, and the days fly by!
Taylor Swift Tickets
When I told my manager I spent my bonus money on three days of floor seats to see Taylor Swift, she was shook LMAO. But guys, it was WORTH IT! The battle alone to get tickets took 10 years off my life, but with the tickets secured, I know June in Chicago will be the best month yet. I’m already brainstorming all the songs I want to hear live, like Cornelia Street, August, Snow on the Beach, and more. I can’t wait! Also here’s a pic from our last Taylor Swift club night hehe.
The 1975 Concert
I love being an adult because it means I can buy concert tickets on a whim and no one can stop me. The day before The 1975 dropped their album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, I decided to Google what tickets cost! And it wasn’t to bad and it was all GA, so I bought two, not knowing who may go with me.
Fast forward, a month later and they’re taking over TikTok and the tickets are sold out at every show! I got my sister Simone, who is equally obsessed, to fly out to SF as an early birthday gift, and come to the show with me. It was ICONIC, and I can’t believe I finally got to listen to music that shaped my adolescence. And the fact that Jack Antonoff showed up? Highlight of my year for sure. Highly recommend going to the chaos concert that is The 1975!
Jeffrey Campbell Boots
I have ALWAYS been a boot girl, but these boots changed my life. I got the cutest Jeffrey Campbell maroon western style boots for my 23rd birthday this year, and I cannot stop wearing them. They’re SO comfortable, and I love a square front. They may be my most favorite shoes in my closet! You can buy them here.
Myself
Every year I always include myself, because I really put in the work! This year was a crazy one. From getting the courage to do a complete career change, to moving across the country, to changing my hair a zillion times (did you guys know I recently got bangs), this year was an insane one for sure.
I think I’ve given up on trying to predict what’s happening in 2023, but I know it’ll be a good year. I can’t wait to come back and recap it all for you a year from today!