Another year has come to an end, wait what?! It seems like this past year has gone by quicker than most. Maybe this is due to the fact that I'm getting older, or maybe I was busier this year so it seemed like I had less time, but wow I cannot believe it's about to be January again. I feel like it was just last week that I was writing about my best moments of 2016. It's been one crazy year, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories.
Women’s March
The Woman's March in DTLA was absolutely incredible. It had been pouring rain the day before, but the rain came to a halt and the sun shined bright on all the amazing people who came out to support equality. It was an experience that I will always cherish. I made a video about the Inauguration Day March and Women's March. You can check that out here:
World Baseball Classic + Spring Training
To kick off the baseball season, we went to the final game of the World Baseball Classic. Right after watching Team USA win, with the help of Brandon Crawford and Buster Posey, we headed to the Greyhound station to hop on a bus to Arizona. We then spent three more days watching baseball at Spring Training. It was the perfect start to 2017 baseball.
Pride March
2017 seemed to be a year of many marches. Just like the Women's March, we had a lot of fun in West Hollywood and got these really cool flags. It was great to see so many people take to the streets of Hollywood, and share their support for love + equality.
4th of July in Montana
I've now spent the past few 4th of July celebrations in different states, and this year was no different. I went to a small town in Montana this year, and having never been there before, it was great to experience a new state.
Seattle + Mariners Game
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Alaska Airlines would sponsor me. I took a chance and emailed them about my 30 Before 30 series, and they agreed to it. While I'd been to Seattle twice before, I had never been to Safeco Field and to me, exploring a new ballpark was the equivalent of being a kid in a candy store. I had also never sat in the front row behind the dugout at a game, and Alaska Airlines was kind enough to get me front row seats. It was an adventure I will never forget.
I Turned 21
Not having to use my fake ID anymore or worry about it getting taken away (never happened to me) is truly a blessing. I had a great 21st birthday at Day N Night festival in Anaheim and it felt great getting a 21+ wristband with my real ID. We also saw Travis Scott the day before, and participating in the mosh pit during Goosebumps was amazing.
#SonomaStrong
I woke up on a Monday morning to 3:00 AM texts from friends telling me that their parents might be evacuating. I was confused, and then in a panic when I found out what had happened. That entire week, I was constantly checking the Santa Rosa Firestorm Updates page on Facebook. It was hard to focus on anything else. And while the fires were absolutely devastating, it was beautiful to see the community come together so quickly. Everyone was so helpful, loving, and willing to help out with anything that was needed.
Chicago Trip
This was the second time I'd visited Chicago, and I had such a fun time. In addition to celebrating Halloween together, we accidentally drove into Wisconsin and stopped for ice cream, went zorbing at a farm, visited the house from Shameless, had a mini-photoshoot on the stairs in the back of a restaurant, and took in a beautiful view of the city, among many other adventures.
Astros Win Game 7
I am obviously outnumbered in Los Angeles, but I was one happy person when I landed at LAX with the Dodgers losing to the Astros in Game 7 of the World Series. I had "watched" the entire game via my Twitter feed and it took everything in me to not cheer right from the start when the Astros scored in the first inning. I pass by this mural every day on the way to and from work, so I couldn't help but add my own touch. I'm so ready for 2018 baseball, bring it on!
#LASh*t
I think out of all my memories each year, this category is always the best. There are unlimited possibilities when living in Los Angeles. You could get a text with an address to a party and misread it thinking it's just a party on the weekend, but no, it's actually The Weeknd's party. Or you could end up at the house of a person you used to watch on Disney Channel. Or at a rapper's house with a monkey. Life in Los Angeles, as a female especially, is quite the experience and I would not change it for the world.
Not only are the parties fun, but the concerts are endless. This year, I saw more people than I could ever imagine. From actual concerts like Migos, Kendrick Lamar, and 6LACK, to award shows like the BET Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Movie & TV Awards, I saw so many artists live and I'm forever thankful for being able to attend those concerts/events.
I'm looking forward to 2018 and everything that the new year has in store for me. I look forward to enjoying my early 20s even more next year. I already have a few trips lined up for Arizona, Vegas, and Hawaii, and I am so excited for everything else that life throws my way. Lastly, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018!