2014: A YEAR IN REVIEW
A sappy post where I say "I appreciate" a lot.
I'm such a selfish idiot sometimes that I don't look back and really take in all the things I've experienced on purpose and in passing. Here's the time for me to reflect. Reflecting scares me. It really does. Time is terrifying. But this was comforting to do in a strange way.
More ranting and photos inside.
So as much as I love to hate on Instagram, one of my favorite things to do is scroll back and see what I highlighted as post-worthy weeks ago, months ago, and now a year ago. I have a (scarily) appalling memory. Seriously. It scares me. (Like I just forgot I used a version of scared in the last sentence I had to use it again).
Instagram is great because you can see how many weeks ago something was posted. I scrolled back to 50 ago (because it's almost the end of the year, but not quite) and had a little reflection time.
Because my memory is so bad, and my confidence can be so low (HELLO WAKE UP WALDORF, GET SOME) I tend to tell myself frequently "I don't do anything" "I'm so lazy!" "I need to do more cool things!!" But geez, looking back I sure felt foolish. In 2014 I was surrounded by so many beautiful and wonderful friends, experienced some exciting travels, lost some friends (to other cities, that is), and made probably 100 hand drawn cards.
I'm so so soooo grateful for all the people in my life. For real. (And the pets too). And thankful that I can continue to be of able mind, body, and circumstance to continue to have the fortune to experience such things and desire even more.
I hope you enjoy this little walk down memory lane (thanks to Insta). These are screengrabs by the way, so don't click! It won't lead you to my account.
And let the reflection begin…
(I just picked out photos that jumped out to me as having a special memory, story, or moment!)
New Years, headed off to a party at Joe's house. Another one of the school picture parties.
Japanese New Year celebrations on actual January 1.
I remember this day, going over to Alyssa's and we made an impromptu mimosa mess! I miss being able to jet over to her place in like 10 minutes. Now you have to fly to Europe!
Started actually producing watercolors that I liked and enjoyed! Shocking.
Our team at work grew by 1 member and this was our first shoot together!
I went up to the Bay because my friend Rachel moved there recently. Also got to see my sweet baby Aryn who also moved home last year. That was just such a great weekend of eating, sight-seeing, and seeing my friends.
Pancake Day! I tried to get a bit more adventurous with what I made at home. These are savory green onion pancakes with an egg on top!
I also made visiting home a priority. Having my parents so close isn't going to be forever!
My friend's brewery launched. It's so exciting to see friends doing so well.
Was lucky enough to go skiing for the first time! Visiting Utah is also a great privilege.
This seems like so long ago! Marie and I went on our Southwest road trip through Arizona.
I went to the grand canyon for the first time!
Visited a weird airbnb called "Isis Oasis" up near Nor Cal wine country. That was also a crazy weekend of driving up in the middle of the night on Friday and leaving super early Sunday.
❤
I turned 24. Feeling maybe more lost (creatively) in my life than ever. But I guess that's a great place to be…more options, eh?
My family decided to go on a cruise up to Vancouver, and kindly invited me along.
A visit to Butchart Gardens
All in all a lovely trip with family. Knowing they are ready and willing to travel is also something that will not last forever.
Spent a wonderful weekend with family at the beach over Mother's Day weekend. Having a massive sleepover and family time was so special.
Zach also got his vintage scooter repaired. "Ruth" became a part of our transportation routine.
In May I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Seattle on behalf of work. I gave a presentation (that went really well!) and visited my cousins who moved there.
Also got to visit the bridge troll from one of my favorite movies 10 Things I Hate About You!!!!!!!!!!! Seattle is a wonderful place, it was so comforting finding another city (closer than London) that I could see myself living.
Learned to crochet! *Check*
I tried to get into plants and gardening. I definitely don't have the genes for it (my grandpa owned a nursery).
This was a really fun night with Iris and Tim and Kiki. Karaoke night in Little Tokyo! Just a memorable time with good people.
Professional development! Woot. Managed my first intern, who was a complete dream. (These are her awesome shoes she wore on day 1)
A visit to Austin, Texas! Time spent on the lake (braving my fear of dark/open water)
Super sweaty Texas weather
Got Disneyland passes! *Spoiled brat* Sigh
Proud of this simple design for these cards.
In the summer got really into taking advantage of outdoor screenings. This one was at the Autry…
Also did a bit of Los Angeles hiking exploration. (Tried to get into hiking more consistently….TRIED)
Worked some fun summer events at the Getty! (Yeah.)
And got to experience Obon with my little cousins. Making traditions with family is so fuuuun!
A trip up to San Francisco for Outsidelands music festival! And this night was so fun with Rachel. We played foosball for sooo long, it was just a blast. I dunno!
As time slipped away from me and summer came to a close, I made sure to take my little cousins swimming a few times before they went back to school.
I just love this photo of Iris. This is while she had a show at Commonwealth & Council. She's just a totally hardworking, inspiring, brilliant gal. So happy to know her.
I had to take Yoko to the vet near me. While she was staying with me she hurt her wrist! I was so scared that this was gonna be it for her. She's okay now!
FYF Fest! Aryn, Kiki, Gabby, Joe, Marie…so many friends all together. The festival was a mess, but hey it was still worth it.
This was a really fun afternoon with Michael and Megan. Dodger games are so reminiscent of summer camp for me when I was little.
Little moments like this!
My friend Jules came to visit from London! Got to explore LA through the eyes of a tourist. Had a great time doing it, and found a new love for the city.
Appreciated the sunsets I get to see at work.
Back to Austin again! This time for ACL Music Festival.
Impromptu 4th of July BBQ for the friends! Love this photo of Kiki, another one of my rad, brilliant friends. She's been by my side a lot this year. It's been great.
Alex sent me these adorable coasters. He's in Portland, but I know we're still these for each other. Brother and sista foreeeva! (Gotta make going to Portland a priority for 2015!)
And amazingly made it back to Europe and seeing my international friends. LENA! And Jules! And Nancy!
Got to visit Madrid and see Alyssa in her new habitat.
Met Gandalf the owl.
Experienced and photographed so many unusual places
Road tripped through Austria, potentially one of my favorite countries I've visited thus far.
Surfers in a man-made river in Munich? Yes please!
A foggy woodland walk in Germany. Sasquatch calling totally happened.
Being away for a month made me extra appreciative of the bliss I have back home.
First day back at work and got to document and experience the installation of our new Manet!
Thanksgiving with the family and Lauren's family. ❤
And more recently, a wonderful weekend with friends at Zach's family's beach house.
The house might go, and I'm so thankful for the generosity of Zach and his family. I always say I hate the beach, but visiting this place has made me love sea glass and the calmness of the ocean.
Of course nothing would be the same without these two idiots.
And here I am today. Unsure of life, but hey…if every year can be even half as jam packed as this past one, I guess I can't be too scared.
Thanks for reading! I'm interested in getting this blog into a better routine. And trying to be a better updater! I'm appreciative of the community left here, and the folks who do read and comment consistently. It's comforting to know there's folks out in the world feeling all the feels of growing up along with me.
Much love friends.
SLEEPY WALDO 