One Year

In the blink of an eye, my first anniversary of living in Chicago is here. Given the events of the last few months, it’s easy to see why this day brings memories rushing to the forefront. I spent much of my last day in Los Angeles with the sweet Sadath and was privileged to spend time with him on his last visits to Chicago. Besides that, I’ve been reflecting a lot on this last year. Leaving behind the familiarity of a place I had lived for so long was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever took on, but one I will never regret taking. This has been a tough year, but also one of the best years of my life. I feel so lucky to already have experienced so many incredible things in life, and I’m looking forward to many more adventures on the road ahead.

I Had an Adventure

As I mentioned in this post, I have a few general goals for this year of my life. One was to have an adventure. I recently returned from ten days in the beautiful country of Namibia. I had a great time seeing a part of Africa that I would have never thought to go to before. Not only that, but all those hours on planes looking at the world map have me thinking about where I want to go next.

Dreams

I’ve been keeping journals off and on for almost twenty years. I recently had the bright idea to revisit some of my past. It’s hilarious how the entries change from my mundane day to day happenings when I was in the sixth grade, to being boy crazy in middle school, to teen angst, and then to hopes and fears for the future as I leave for college. I only update once or twice a year now and never in the same place, but it has been kind of inspiring to see where I was, how I’ve grown, and who I still have yet to become.

This Will Be The Year

I learn willpower

I face my fears

I have an adventure

Pink Shock

I give myself manicures at home nearly every week. Having dark brown skin usually leads me to make conservative color choices like sheer pinks or dark browns and reds, but while I was at the drugstore yesterday, I just couldn’t resist picking up this shade called “Pink Shock” by Maybelline. It’s a bit much to use every week, but I think it will make a few appearances this summer.