The year 2025 has ended and with it more chapters of my life. I’ve graduated from an institution where I’ve loved and learned to love better, leaving behind beloved faces and places. I have learned the privilege of grieving what is lost because I could not not have done so if I had not experienced a lot of love and happiness:
|
I started volunteering regularly at Martha’s Kitchen, a local non-profit food security kitchen where I’ve met many lovely individuals from all around the Bay Area. |
|
I’ve botanically explored many trails along Highway 17, growing familiar with the sticky monkey flower (Diplacus aurantiacus), the bluewitch nightshade (Solanum umbelliferum), the goldback fern (Pentagramma triangularis), the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica, of course!) and many others. |
|
I went kayaking for the first time with my California’s Natural History class at Elkhorn Slough and watched seagrass dance. |
|
I relearned watercolor formally and made four pieces for a class. I ended up being quite passionate about the medium and have been using it casually as well! |
|
I started watching House MD with my partner and got through season three. |
|
I locked in with art for the first time in years and presented four zines and three pieces at QPOCA’s Culture Gala. |
|
I concrunched for the first time in years for Fanime, making another Mey Rin (Black Butler) and Misa Amane (Death Note) cosplay from wig to costume as well as style wigs for Rafayel (Love and Deepspace) and Grell Sutcliff (Black Butler). On Sunday, I found time to make a watercolor piece for one of my favorite artists, Orri! |
|
I drove along half of Highway 1 with my family, exploring areas around Mendocino and the Russian River, driving up the unpaved Usal road, and enjoying Glass Beach! |
|
I got rear ended on the way to San Francisco’s Pride Parade where I witnessed many wonderful floats. |
|
I spent five grueling months slaving over a 1,118 sq ft Big Hero 6 themed mural for my brother. |
|
I volunteered for the first time at Open Sauce and met many inspirational faces. |
|
I made a major renovation to my room by cutting part of my desk off. |
|
I prepared for and tabled at a local community cultural event; I spent days working on booth branding and decor, recipe testing for waffles and tea, and hanging out with my mom :) |
|
I learned a lot about zines and even attended the Bay Area Queer Zine Fest where I was able to explore many extremely talented local zine artists! |
|
I saw The Cab, Mayday Parade, and All Time Low live with my girls! Emo music in the Bay Area in 2025! |
|
I celebrated the awesome HanaDrain 1 year anniversary with my lovely partner! |
|
We celebrated Halloween as the demolition lovers! |
|
I went clubbing for the first time in Downtown San Jose and made a friend. We made sure to take public transit for a true and authentic experience. |
|
I cooked a massive feast for Thanksgiving for the family (among other massive family meals…) |
|
I made my first long distance trip without family down to Los Angeles to see The Academy Is… live at The Belasco and enjoyed the Fashion District’s nightlife |
|
I started working in the bakery department of a local Whole Foods where I discovered a very lovely corporate family. |
|
I finished off the year watching the San Francisco fireworks show and enjoying the free train ride. |