MY 2019 RECAP

If there was a theme to my 2019, it would be “#DoingThings”—the motto of one of my favorite brands, Outdoor Voices. #DoingThings to them means “moving your body and having fun with friends” and my 2019 was the epitome of that. This year was filled with weekend getaways. I was on the plane for quite a few times traveling across the country. Ever since moving to the West Coast I have had the opportunities to travel to nearby states, creating memories and #DoingThings with friends. Here are some highlights from a fulfilling year:

SPOTIFY WRAPPED

What’s a recap without posting my Spotify Wrapped of 2019? My Top Artist of 2019 is ODESZA and Artist of the Decade is The 1975. *pretends to be shocked*

LOS ANGELES

My coworker Anna and I took a week off to travel to LA. It was my first time in SoCal! Despite the unfortunate rain the whole time we were there, I had a great time checking out some iconic LA touristy spots and catching up with 2 of my college friends.

SANTA CRUZ

In April, I visited Santa Cruz for the first time for a weekend getaway. I soaked up some California sun while witnessing one of the most mesmerizing sunsets. This is now my go-to weekend getaway town.

I turned 23!

To celebrate my Jordan Year, I took a weekend road trip down to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur with two of my closest friends Julia and Joe. If only words could describe how magnificent the Pacific Ocean is… The feeling driving along the curvy mountains with windows down and our favorite tracks blasting from the radio along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) is indescribable. Shout out to my lovely coworkers who decorated my desk inspired by The Office, you know me too well.

Sf trolley party

My lovely friend/coworker Rishika hosted her birthday bash on a trolley back in June! I’ve always wanted to do this while I still live in SF. All of us were singing our hearts out along the Golden Gate Bridge during sunset. It was a day to remember.

LAKE TAHOE

I took a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe back in January, however I did not partake in skiing or outdoor sports. This time around it was summer. Joe and I, along with 2 others, drove up to Lake Tahoe to celebrate July 4. I lived up to the #DoingThings motto: moving your body and having fun with friends. The photos below speak for themselves.

SOLO TRIP TO SEATTLE

See https://www.minakwong.com/blog/solo-in-seattle.

ODESZA

To be honest, I was not particularly a huge fan of EDM music in college. Yes, I listened to EDM here and there but I didn’t pay much attention to the scene. Though ever since moving to the Bay Area, I’ve grown to love ODESZA and many other EDM artists. ODESZA’s music gives me euphoric and magical feelings–always putting me in a happy mood. Seeing their act live in LA back in July was without a doubt one of the highs of this year.

PHOENIX

Second time around in Arizona to visit my dear friends Marlon and Alnay! August in Phoenix was unbelievably HOT. But we were out and about #DoingThings in places such as Slide Rock State Park, Superstition Mountains and Old Town. Can’t wait to be back already!

VISTA LAS VEGAS

Celebrated my friend Katie’s 23rd birthday in Vegas! It was my first time in LV and boy did I have a great time. It was a cherry on top when my triplet best friends were also in town. Checked Kygo off my bucket list!

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Happy to check off Outside Lands and Austin City Limits from my festival checklist. I saw the god himself Hozier and Childish Gambino at OSL. In September I flew out to Austin to visit my best friend Julia and also to attend ACL. We somehow got backstage access to see Fisher’s set! We also saw LIZZO, Mumford and Sons and other amazing acts. I was freezing cold during OSL but dripping sweat at ACL. Weather is weird.

GETTING FEATURED ON IG

As an aspiring photographer, being recognized and featured from well-known Instagram accounts means a lot to me as it grows my confidence. Below are some posts that I have been featured in 2019. Many thanks to them!

I RAN A 5K!

Running a 5k may not seem much to some people but it was a huge accomplishment for me. I signed up one day on a whim and did not regret one bit. That was the most I’ve ran consistently. Running a little over 3 miles wasn’t too bad when the Golden Gate Bridge was my view! Shout out to Josh for waking up with me at the crack of dawn just to support me :) My goal is to attempt a 10k next year.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Josh and I drove down to the Monterey area for a mini Holiday getaway. We lucked out with the weather, as it was absolutely beautiful along Pacific Coast Highway. The first day we visited Pebble Beach to see the 18th hole, saw a lot of cute pups and did the 17 mile drive. The second day we saw some adorable sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and hiked Point Lobos. The last day we enjoyed a fancy lunch at La Bicyclette. A great way to end the year :)

In retrospect, 2019 was good to me. I’ve grown a lot personally. I’ve traveled to states that I never imagined I would visit. I’ve built stronger relationships with friends who I care deeply about. And lastly, I’ve met someone special who I look forward to creating new memories with. Here’s to hoping 2020 to be just as great as this year by #Doing(more)Things.

MY 10 FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2017

What a year in music. According to Spotify, I listened to 45,656 minutes, 2,190 different songs and 641 different artists. That’s a lot of minutes. As a Marketing major, I love the billboard campaign “2018 Goals” that Spotify rolled out this year. With the green, pink and white theme, the billboards vividly capture the audience's attention along with the humorous taglines such as “Dear person who played ‘Sorry’ 42 times on Valentine’s Day, what did you do?” and “Be as humble as the person who got an entire billboard for listening to HUMBLE. 1,251 times.” The company once again proves what data can do (though you may think that’s a little creepy).

image from Google

Now, let’s recap. Below are the top 10 albums (not all are released last year) that I enjoyed in 2017.

10. Harry Style — Harry Style

Say what you want about One Direction, but I believe each individual member has a special vocal talent. Harry’s album is filled with 80s vibe and rock and roll elements, which is surprisingly suitable and unique to his voice. “Sign of the Times” and “Kiwi” are definitely my favorites. Sorry Niall, but I have to give credits to Harry for a more breakthrough album.

9. The Thrill of it All — Sam Smith

Ah, the angel is back. Sam Smith is undeniably one of the most talented singers. I almost shed a tear the first time I listened to “Midnight Train” from the new album. His music paints a beautiful story for each song. He has the type of music that makes your heart ache but you still choose to listen after. I’m blessed to have heard him live back in 2014. What a beautiful human being.

8. Saw You in a Dream — The Japanese House

I’m not surprised I discovered The Japanese House considering I’m a big fan of The 1975. The Japanese House is a an English indie pop act from Buckinghamshire consisting of solo artist Amber Bain (Wikipedia). Her music is soft, with a relaxing vibe that is so soothing you can do homework while listening to it, which I do all the time. My favorites are "Saw You in a Dream", "Cool Blue" and "Leon"—all from different albums. 

7. Cigarettes After Sex — Cigarettes After Sex

I know the name is weird, BUT, I like to listen to their music whenever I’m sad. Don’t we tend to listen to more depressing music when we’re upset? Cigarettes After Sex is an American ambient pop band from El Paso, Texas. Not sure what ambient means, but I call it the "sad music" when you’re broken down at 3am. My all-time favorite is “K.”. I also had a chance to listen to them live this year!

6. Freudian — Daniel Caesar

What an underrated singer. Daniel Caesar’s music creates all types of feelings that you don’t even know they exist. I came across his iconic “Japanese Denim” on Spotify and instantly fell in love with his music. “Blessed” and “We Find Love” are two of my favorites from the album. Here’s to hoping Daniel Caesar receive the attention he deserves in 2018. 

5.  LANY — LANY

This alternative band from LA, California was introduced to me from two different friends. After listening to “ILYSB”, I had their album on loop ever since. LANY reminds me of The 1975 with an indie pop vibe. While some of their songs are playful, some are more mellow. I love their genre of music and their lyrics, as they are often relatable. I heard them live back in October; they put on a good show!

4. Cleopatra — The Lumineers

Not sure when I rediscovered my love for The Lumineers, but I'm glad I did. For a while I had this album on repeat everyday. Something about their music makes you want to pick up your bags and just go. “Sleeping On The Floor”, “Patience”, “Angela” and “Ophelia” are my top favorites. If you haven’t already, check out their music video trilogy on YouTube which consists of a love story using 3 different songs. It’s truly a masterpiece.

3. 24K Magic — Bruno Mars

If you think Bruno Mars isn’t going to be on this list, think again. He’s one of my favorite artists. Although 24K Magic was released in 2016, Spotify told me “That’s What I Like” is one of the top songs I listened to this year. What can I say, that song is just too catchy! And can we talk about “Versace On The Floor”?! What a beautiful song.

2. DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar

I think we can all agree Kendrick never disappoints. From “To Pimp a Butterfly” to “DAMN.”, Kendrick knows how to deliver hits after hits. According to Spotify, DNA. is my most-listened song in 2017. Not surprised, considering I listened to DNA. in the shower and going to class everyday for several weeks straight. His music videos are also super creative if you haven’t checked them out. What a legend.

1. American Teen — Khalid

2017 was the year of Khalid! His whole entire album is a masterpiece. I don’t understand how a 19-year-old El Paso, Texas native can write music with words that are also so painfully relatable. His voice speaks to everyone as if I could feel his pain behind his songs. It’s hard to pick the ones that I love the most, but I have to say “8teen”, “Hopeless”, “Shot Down” and “American Teen” are my top favorites. It’s rare to find myself obsessing over an entire album, but he sure made me fall in love with every single one. I even bought myself a vinyl of this album. That being said, I am ecstatic to see him live in May for the first time!

Honorable Mentions:

Martin Garrix

Although I’m not a hardcore EDM/House music fan, I’m a huge fan of Martin Garrix and Kygo. Martin Garrix delivered several hits this year that I am in love with such as “Scared to Be Lonely”, “So Far Away” and “There For You”. Now please release a new album already and come back to Philly!

Cardi B

Judge me if you want, but Cardi B is my spirit animal. Her down-to-earth personality makes her such an entertainer on Instagram. Although she didn’t release any album in 2017, I think I’m responsible for the 200+ Bodak Yellow plays in 2017. #SorryNotSorry