22 moments

I am here coming to you with a birthday post. I can not believe that I am turning 23. It is scary because it just means that I am a year away from 24 then 25. Next thing you know I’m 30, unmarried, with no kids! OH THE HORROR. Just kidding, but in all seriousness 22 was a good one, not the best but definitely a year that has taught me a great deal about what it is like to find a piece of yourself that you are happy with. At 22, I was able to see and do things that I have always dreamed of, so without further adieu…

Here are 22 moments & lessons that made my 22nd year a memorable one.

(shit collage)

1. My first trip to New York City. Despite whatever emo phase I was going through, I learned that with the right company, everything will be alright. The people who love you and the ones you love most will always be there for you. 
2. Witnessing my first ever snowfall. I was sitting at Dough, a donut shop in the city, looking out onto the street when I realized stuff was falling from the sky. I just had to ask and surely enough it wasn't dandruff but ACTUAL SNOW. I got all teary eyed and that was that. (Born & raised in LA, sue me.)
3. Watching Hozier perform live for the first time. I have never been so transfixed by the words of an artist. My being melts every. single. time.
4. Taking up running. I’m not a marathoner or anything, but the short distances that I have put in have given me the space I need from my, usually emotionally draining, thoughts.
5. Coffee dates because coffee always helps. It's also a great way to catch up with friends.
6. Taking compliments. It is okay to accept them. Sometimes it’s good for your self-esteem and it's not always about feeding your ego. If someone tells you your eyeliner is on fleek, you smile and say “thank you!” Take credit where credit is due because Gawd knows how hard it is to perfect the winged liner.
7. Going out to breakfast on your own. Actually, going out on your own in general. Take it from me, it is so nice to have some time to yourself. Sitting in silence while watching the world go by is a favorite past time of mine. You can’t always rely on your friends to come out and play because they too have lives of their own.
8. 3 hour afternoon tea at Sketch in London. Lesson here is to not drink 10 pots of vanilla tea before watching "Miss Saigon" at the West end. Nope. Don’t do it. Especially when your seats are dead center. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
9. Seeing the royal family right before Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour.  For the longest time, since I was a fetus, I have always wanted to see the royal family in person and clearly I believed that it would NEVER happen, but guys… Justin Bieber was right, “never say never.” It wasn't in our itinerary, therefore it was a helluva surprise.
10. Walking into the Oxford St. Lush flagship. Heaven exists on earth.
11. Paris. Standing on a boat in the Seine river at night while the city was lit up. There was so much to take in and I am so incredibly thankful to be given the opportunity to see parts of the world that have been on my list for the longest time.
12. Also, when locals in Paris constantly remind you to watch your purse at all times, you must do what you are told or else you will end up a victim like me… It probably doesn’t help to be carrying several designer shopping bags… many tears, much money stolen. Huge thank you to my family in Paris, they were so very kind to us and I got a new wallet. tee hee.
13. All of those ice cream trips to Jeni’s and Salt & Straw. They were home over the summer. Ice cream solves problems that are hard to fix. Oh and late night drives singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs helps too. Ask my friends.
14. Netflix & chill isn’t always “Netflix & chill” because you can actually Netflix & chill without having to “chill.” It makes sense, don't argue. Be lazy. You are entitled to be lazy. Binge watch your favorite shows because it’s actually good for your sanity. If you want to watch the entire One Tree Hill series 5 times, go ahead. You do you.
15. Journaling is another way of breathing, letting off steam, crying, screaming, laughing etc. It doesn't always have to be elaborate. Take one of my entries for example, "Not quite sure if I'm drunk, but I had some wine." It's hilarious and sometimes overwhelming to read through the emotions that I have gone through over the length of a year.
16. Social media cleanses are now a thing and they are incredibly helpful in times when you are too consumed with other people's lives. There I said it.
17. Spending a weekend in Vegas with Zedd, Nick and Joe Jonas and actually going to a club wearing clothes you normally wouldn't wear. The moment I realized that the JoBros are definitely grown up.
18. The several beach trips I took over the summer. It's definitely worth the amount of time spent sitting on the 10 fwy. Although I have always loved the ocean, I was never a fan of swimming in it, up until this past summer when I learned to face my fear and dove head first into the pacific. Sometimes you have to suck it up, close your eyes, and hold your breath to get the full experience of the things you love most.
19. All of the shows that I have been to as a 22-year-old. Imagine Dragons, Hozier (x4), Zedd (x2), LANY (x3), Vance Joy, Haim, Taylor Swift, Walk the Moon, St. Lucia, Robert DeLong, Ben Howard, Troye Sivan, DNCE, Justin Bieber, One Direction. Spend your money on things that make you the happiest. Not gonna lie, a lot of these shows were free though :)
20. Interning at StyleHaul. I have finally started doing something that is going to benefit my future and nothing excites me more than the fact that I enjoy it so much. I have met so many great people and I can not wait to continue this journey for however long they'll have me. 
21. Currently planning my next summer trip! This time I'll be flying back to the Philippines, making stops in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, S. Korea! Travel travel travel!!!!!! When an opportunity is given to you, TAKE IT! ALWAYS TAKE IT :)
22. & lastly, do not let your mistakes define you. Do not let them consume you. Still carrying the burdens of 21 into 23. 

There you have it folks! I am still in shock at how fast 2015 has gone by. It just goes to show how fast life is, therefore we must grab it by the balls and LIVE BRUH. That's what we need to do, BUT WHY IS LIVING SO DAMN EXPENSIVE?!?! Am I right or am I right? Anyway, I'm pretty excited for 23. BIG BIG THINGS ARE COMING MY WAY! I CAN FEEL IT. I'm graduating in May and hopefully I'll have a big girl job by then. I can finally start saving for a.... idk yet. Is there a book for dummies on how to be an adult because ya girl Lucia is clueless. (lol at the fact that I became an adult 5 years ago. I am a failed human prototype) Okay, enough rambling. BYE YA'LL! 

LOVE,

Lucia, the (almost) 23-year-old.