Yes, I know that we’re already a good 7 days into the new year, but since I never did any sort of a recap/reflection on 2015, I thought I’d jump on the top-nine bandwagon. At least this is a way to relive the GOOD memories of 2015 (mostly, haha). These are from my personal Instagram, btw, since I didn’t create the one that is now linked to my blog until just a couple of months ago. 2015 was definitely a year of ups and downs–filled with lots of uncertainty and anxiety. But where I stand today, the future looks a lot brighter, and I have the past year to thank for that. So here are some of my most memorable moments (according to Instagram) from last year–hope you enjoy the stories!
1. Honeymee arrives in NorCal: Not Honeymee exactly, but close enough. For those of you who don’t know, Honeymee was like my second home in LA (I went there THAT often). When I moved back to NorCal, I was always on the lookout for something similar. Thankfully, Milkcow opened up in Fremont at the end of summer, and since then, it’s become my NorCal Honeymee. Milkcow has a lot more flavors too, so that’s a plus. Although one word of advice, the cotton candy topping, I swear, is only there to make your pictures look better. It does not add to the dessert taste-wise, whatsoever.
2. Rediscovering avocado and soft-boiled eggs: So….pretty sure this was like the first time I’ve cooked something in forever, and even then, the only things that are “cooked” in this dish are the soft-boiled egg and quinoa, both only using water. But hey, I’m still proud at how good and healthy it came out! I think I’ve become an expert at picking out ripe avocados, and also a master of the soft-boiled egg. LOVE LOVE soft-boiled eggs. Tsujita in LA still has my favorite one, but mine is getting close 😉
3. Graduation photoshoot: This picture wasn’t actually from my graduation day…it was from my graduation photoshoot day. I had so much fun taking pictures with friends I met during orientation way back in freshmen year. It’s cool how we all managed to stay in touch. I do remember that it was pretty cloudy that day…and the outside of Royce (the famous UCLA landmark in the back of the picture), was PACKED because there was some performance going on. So I didn’t get a picture in front of Royce…:( But it was still a good shoot nonetheless.
4. First half-marathon: Omg. Such a bitter sweet memory. I kept getting sick the last month before the race so I definitely wasn’t at the level I wanted to be at on race day. And my stomach was NOT cooperating–I was stuck in a porta-potty for a good 10 min. during the race. And that’s so much worse than walking because I wasn’t moving at all and my overall time went down by quite a bit. Although in all honesty, I’m just happy I finished. The last hill at mile 11 was a killer, and I remember thinking about just quitting at the next water station. After crossing the finish line, the rest of the day was a blur. But I’m happy I got to cross off something else from my bucket list!
5. Dessert night: This was the night that I had the best burger of my life (The Black Sheep in downtown LA). Great prices and DELICIOUS burgers. Watched the Clippers win on TV during the meal and then decided that because they won, dessert was justified. So we made our way to Syrup Desserts (also in downtown) where I had this yummy Belgian waffle with ice cream. Ate it all for the Clippers. Regretted it the next day.
6. Slapfish @ Newport Beach: This was lunch the day after my half-marathon race. I remember this so clearly because it was so freaking expensive. It was good though. The chowder fries are delicious and if you check-in on Yelp you get a free cup of clam chowder (which is also delicious). Lobster roll…even though it was good…was not really worth the price…
7. Impulse hair dye: So…I had dyed my hair a red-brown color like 2 months before. And I REALLY liked that color. But me with my short attention span, I decided I wanted to try something new and go lighter. The picture doesn’t make it look that light, but the color faded after a few washes and I ended up looking blonde. I freaked out and 3 days later during my weekend trip down to LA I dyed it back to my natural hair color. Sigh. My poor hair. Staying away from hair color for a while….
8. Ziplining in Vancouver: This was SO much fun. It was freezing on the mountain and I’m so happy they let me borrow a jacket for free. I remember I was initially disappointed that there was so much fog. But ziplining through thick white mist is probably as cool as it gets. I felt like I was in a scene from a Harry Potter movie. I couldn’t see much, but I felt like I was 100x higher off the ground.
9. Goodbye UCLA: What an appropriate 9th picture. Honestly, it still feels weird not living in LA anymore. Even though I grew up in NorCal, I find myself calling LA my home. I remember being almost in tears as we left for NorCal that afternoon. It was like the UCLA bubble that held my college experiences and memories had burst, and I was now drowning in my new freedom. While I’ve finally settled down in grad school, I’m still trying to find a way back to LA. Someday, it’ll happen. Someday, I’ll find my way back to the city that helped me find myself.
So with that, goodbye 2015! So excited for what this new year holds!
XOXO,
Great summary of your wonderful 2015 highlights Ashley.
Thank you Sue! 🙂
And hello 2016! To many more adventures to come in 2016.
xx
atsunamatsui.com
Yes! Hoping for the best 🙂
Your 2015 was filled with some great experiences and food. You even graduated! Great accomplishment. Hope that 2016 is good to you also.
xo
Thank you! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful year as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Sounds like you had a great year and I wish the an exciting and wonderful 2016. Awesome post and check our new blog and eyewear store. Thanks and happy Sunday.
Eye See Euphoria | http://eyeseeeuphoriablog.com/2016/01/10/grand-opening/
Thanks for stopping by! Will do 🙂
2015 sounds like a very full year indeed, and I wish you all the best for 2016, love <3 And aww it must be so different to move back to NorCal after being in LA for so many years! Hopefully, you're slowly getting used to it 🙂 Love your blog!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Thank you! Hope 2016 is a great year for you as well 🙂
Avocado and boiled eggs made up about 50% of my diet. Good luck with your running goals and happy 2016! 🙂
Ashleigh | http://www.quintessentiallyme.co.uk
Woooo haha yay! Thank you! Happy 2016 to you as well 🙂