I had originally planned for this post to be a hopeful one that reflected the news I woke up to. Georgia conducted their run off election. Regardless, it was a great encouragement to see that as a young person in America, my vote mattered. I was seeing amazing news in terms of the political state of the American government. Rep. Marilyn Strickland swore into Congress wearing a hanbok, I saw Colorado flip a seat in the Senate, and truth be told I was starting to get really hopeful.

It showed that citizens had impact. There was no longer an excuse of “my vote doesn’t even matter”. I saw firsthand just how much a vote could dictate an election. I was honored to see this history before my eyes.

To see the impact that many people like Stacey Abrams contributed to the voter turnout in Georgia and the number of minorities that voted in this election still makes me smile.

That was until I saw the news that a mass group of extreme Trump supporters stormed the Capitol while Senators and Representatives were in session to debate the electoral college votes in Arizona.

I have no words. It was incredibly saddening to see people STILL without masks during a raging pandemic to violently raid a place where the leaders were deliberating. To have gotten so far as the very chair that the VP and the Speaker of the House sit. I am reminded that with all the progress that came this year in terms of voter turnout we, as a country, have a LONG way to go.

I have never seen anything like I did today. I am both grateful to not be in DC today, but also just so at a loss of words that something like this even has to happen. I think this is a wake up call to all our leaders, to our neighbors, to our children, to our friends, and future generations to know that today is a frightful day in history.

My mentor wrote this quote, “just because you are against violence and for “peace” doesn’t always mean you’re antiracist”. As a society, we need to do a deeper analysis of the actions (or lack thereof) that occured today.

The work is not done.

JLee

More than things that I learned, I wanted to share things that I am still learning.

The world is bigger than you think

After going abroad, I just thought about how people halfway across the world are living totally different lifestyles and doing just fine. I think in America we always think that the world revolves around us. It doesn’t. The world is big, and we are small. It’s a humbling experience and helped me keep my perspective in the midst of pre-pandemics.

You don’t need to like something just because other people do

Just because the car next to you has their windshield wipers at a certain speed, does not mean you need to change yours. Everyone has their own timing, everyone will get to the destination that they need to with the tools they are given. I am always reminding myself that my life is my own and should be molded to fit the life of others around me. If I really don’t want something, I don’t need to do it and if I think something is really amazing, life is too short to not enjoy that joy. I am learning to be more confident in my own choices.

Read things that you actually want to read

After my reading challenge I just realized I don’t like adult science fiction. I am sure there are sci-fi nerds out there, but it’s not for me at this point in my life. Maybe my tastes will change, but I am again reminded that I shouldn’t pressure myself into doing things that I know I don’t like merely to satisfy those around me. Quite frankly, they don’t care (or they shouldn’t) and I can always find those around me who do genuinely find joy in the same things I do.

Crave stability not comfort

Comfort is overrated. Stability is an active process. You can be still and have stability and be the busiest you have ever been and still experience that feeling. I think stability is an evolution and something you can constantly crave. Comfort can be lazy, but stability is something to always work on. Work on stability in all aspects of our life because once things are inevitable to be unstable, you can remind yourself to work towards a stable life. A comfortable life can put more roadblocks in your way and hurt more when things are uncomfortable.

Knowledge is power

I know everyone makes fun of this cliche, but as I finished more books, listened to more podcasts, and took courses that challenged my ideas, I saw the world in a different way. I think humans are really interesting and it benefits myself to see how other interesting humans see the world that we are living in.

Diversity is not equity.

I am still learning this in terms of academia, the work force, the media that I consume. But more generally, the world I see is not the same world others see. I think I am learning what equity means in terms of social justice, but also wider themes like love and friendships too. I hope it is something that I take the time to learn more about and put my actions into words.

Creating boundaries does not make you a bad person

I hope we normalize creating boundaries, and it is something that I afford to other people in the future as well. Boundaries are smart. Those who violate those boundaries are dangerous people. In whatever capacity, I hope I grow to be a human that respects others’ boundaries as well as my own.

Ask questions….lots of them 

I think a downfall of my generation is that everyone pretends to know everything. For me, even with the plethora of knowledge of there I feel like I know less. I think shame comes as a result of not knowing someone that we think everyone else knows. When you just assume that one more person in the world might not know, asking questions is less daunting. I have been asking lots of professional development questions, financial management questions, and more questions about things that I don’t think I was ever taught. I think the smarter people in the world ask the most questions.

The world moves on even if you don’t and that’s okay. 

As the world closed down due to COVID, I was reminded that the Earth isn’t just going to stop because humans do. Similar to my first point, the world is much bigger than just me. The flowers are still going to bloom, the moon still going to rise, and snow come whether we like it or not. It’s selfish really to think just because we think our small personal lives is ruined that the whole world should be ruined too. Even if the world moves on, it’s okay. Get back up and keep going with them.

2020 was a hard year for everyone, but I think a much needed period of reflection and it came at a timely season in my own life. I hope to implement good habits during this time and refine my strengths for when we are COVID free.

Thank you for reading thus far. I hope I can be more consistent in documenting my life in the new year, forcing myself to be more creative, and most important do things that I love. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy.

See you in 2021

JLee

Wrapping up my books of this year. I am posting this last because I am still reading! I started this challenge in May and got to read 40 books in 2020. This is definitely a record of leisure books I have read, probably since 5th grade. I regret not reading more in college and taking advantage of the library in Tenleytown. 2020 sucked for sure, but I am glad I fell in love with reading again.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

Such a beautiful book. Please read this. This family of Bengali immigrants move to America and learn to thrive not merely survive. I love this book and could write a 10 page paper on it (because I did!). This is the one paper I am really proud of in college and made me questions being a literature major.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

I am still questioning whether I liked this book. It was so deep that it almost caused discomfort? I thought the style was very unique. It was nice to hear it narrated by the author. I am still digesting this book even a month after listening to it. Reviews to come later I guess. If anyone wants to chat about it, please hit me up.

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell

I loved this book as an audiobook. It was long, but the style/format made it very easy to listen. He explains this book as part audiobook part podcast. It was super insightful to listen to as a communication student, but also has a college student. I listened deeply to this book. I loved it. It just allows for interpersonal conversations and an analysis of how we treat “the others”.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

I am a fan of Anthony Bourdain’s philosophy, but I realized I didn’t actually know that much about him. I particularly like his meat story towards the middle of the book. I listened to this book and probably made my dad go crazy, but it was a quick read.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

I will note from the get go, I had a hard time reading this book. It was so dense and I haven’t felt so forced to read a book since my Communication Theory textbook from sophomore year of college. I thought it was an interesting insight, but not my favorite. I am glad that I did get around to read this popular book. I am posting another blog about this idea, but for now that’s it.

Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

I was really amazed on the specific experience that Hong explains in this book. It is so specific that it made me stop in my track while listening on my walks and left me with a lot to reflect on and meditate on. This was one a list of shorter books curated by Goodreads to finish reading goals, but this might be one of my favorites of this year.

“The most damaging legacy of the West has been its power to decide who our enemies are, turning us not only against our own people, like North and South Korea, but turning me against myself.”

Cathy Park Hong, Minor Feelings

Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

I think this was highly recommended by high school teachers in the last couple years and we had a copy at home, so in order to finish my goals, I picked up a physical book and finished this very quickly. I loved the simplicity of this story. I think it’s a really beautiful depiction of maternal figures, relationships, and I think it was such a sweet read. I don’t think I have read a book like this before, it made me feel really calm reading it. I definitely want to read more books by Sue Monk Kidd next year! I also just saw that there is a film adaptation, excited to check that out as well!

A Promised Land by Barack Obama

This book is DENSE. I was so aggressive in trying to finish, but it took me quite a while. I walked many miles to slowly make my way through it. I think this was another book to help me realize that some of the jobs that people idolize and dream of becoming actually takes a miserable burden and it is more difficult than we can understand. I love the details that President Obama included. It’s true he talks so slowly, I listened to the audiobook at a 2.3x speed. I am so glad I managed to borrow a copy of the audiobook so quickly after the book was published. The first half took me about 10 days to get through, but the second half was much quicker. I was expedited because my loan was due soon after.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I wanted to read this as my first book during quarantine because of Timothee Chalamet, but it took me awhile to get through this book since I had seen such an amazing adapted film prior. I wish I read this when I was younger so I didn’t have a biased perspective. I finally got around to it, just in time for the holiday season and of course I rewatched the Greta Gerwig version of Little Women with my mom and sister.

Dune by Frank Herbert

I tried to read this once the trailer for the movie came out (hi Zendaya), but I had a hard time getting into it. I opted to just listen to it via audiobook once I got off the waitlist. I know this is a series, but I don’t think I will be listening to anymore. I think this genre is just not for me, I don’t know what it is, I used to really like it when I was younger, but it just isn’t very entertaining for me.

I started school, but I was nearly my goal (reading 25 books this year) much faster than I had anticipated. I knew that I would be in an Asian American Literature course and I wasn’t going to include the books I had read, but I did so much analysis that I cut myself some slack and included them. You’ll see them listed (Lit 240).

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson 

This was the first audiobook that I listened to! It saved a lot of time, but I also cannot multitask very well, but I would go on errands and pick up my sister so I could finish the book in the car instead of listening to music. I need to find a better system, but I am glad I have this medium to experiment with while I am home so I have a routine once I work or have to commute (maybe). The book gave me a lot of quotes and nuggets of truth. I listened to it at 1.0x speed for about half of the book before I realized I could speed it up….

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

One book that I have trying to read FOREVER! I am so glad I got to read this. As a communication major, it was an interesting read. I didn’t really like the structure, there was a bunch of studies/research, but I wish there was more analysis (*insert empathy for college professors*). I just wanted to know more about personal experiences. It was a different writing style, so it was a good read still.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

I put a bunch of books on my waitlist and this was the first one to get off the waitlist. I think I read this with a heavy heart and difficulty. I loved her voice throughout the book. It was really authentic and I trusted her to take me on this journey with her. I thought her memories of childhood was so peculiar and made me think about my relationship with my sister. I finished the book genuinely sad, but proud of Chanel as if she was me.

America Is In the Heart by Carlos Bulosan (Lit 240)

I didn’t know how to feel about this book. I never like required reading, but this book changed the reputation of books in high school for me. It was truly amazing. It’s about a Filipino immigrant and his experience in America. There was a lot to think about and obviously we wrote essays on it, but I still think it was such a good introduction to the course. I also saw a Normal Rockwell exhibition at the Denver Art Museum and saw his name. He was a writer for the Saturday Evening Post (in which Rockwell famously designed the cover for many years).

I highly encourage you to read this piece he wrote for the magazine.

Human Acts by Han Kang

I read this because of @caricakes booktube recommendation. Hers was actually from BTS’ RM’s booklist, but anywho. This was a really deep book. It is translated from Korean to English. I had a hard time reading it though because I kept imagining what the phrases would be in Korean. I had to ask my mom for the historical implications talked about in the book. It was a unique kind of writing, if I was in a certain mood, I think I want to read The Vegetarian, another book by Han Kang. She also has a poetry book that my mom has, but it’s all in Korean so that will be a winter break attempt to practice my Korean!

No-No Boy by John Okada (Lit 240)

If I could recommend one book to AAPI folx, it would be this one. It talks about first and second generation immigrant tensions, national identity, American body politics, etc. I could talk about this book all day. It will be one of my favorite books. I am thankful to be able to read this book.

Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow

Not because we are in quarantine, but simply because I always struggle with friendships. I feel like it’s the one type of relationship in life where my parents cannot give me advice. The times are different, the friends I want are different, and I am simply different from them. I found this a comprehensive commentary on adult female friendships. I recommend it to those who want to be a better friend.

from incorporated territory [guma’] by Craig Santos Perez (Lit 240)

This is one book I didn’t like from the course. I thought the concept was interesting, but the execution wasn’t my favorite. It poetry about Guam and the militarization of the country.

A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost

I wish I had listened to this one via audiobook, but there was a spot in the waitlist, so I borrowed it and ended up reading this super quickly. I think this was better “Modern Romance” where the balance between personal commentary and research/other people’s thoughts was a lot better. I think Colin Jost is actually funny and SNL is the mecca of comedy, so it made me laugh during the weirdest part of the semester.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This one I wish I had read in a physical book! I wish I had taken more notes or annotated more thoroughly. I liked the book and there was so much content, but it’s hard to digest via audiobook. This took awhile for me to finish, but it is finished nonetheless.

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwak

Just needed an easy read, nothing too serious or too heavy. I have another book to read for class and I am getting into finals, so I wanted to finish the trilogy from earlier this year. I’m glad I got to read this many AAPI authors this year. I think it’s encouraging me to diversify more in music, podcasts, books, and all mediums of media.

PART 4 IS COMING SOON.

I am finishing up more books during the holiday season! I am excited to spend more time reading after finals. Stay tuned for the last installment of this series!

Happy Reading

JLee

Here are the next 10 books I read in 2020. Nothing crazy, definitely had a hard time keeping up to my plan of reading 25 during quarantine (naively thinking we would be free come the end of summer…cute).

Circe by Madeline Miller (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This is one of the first books I read that was released this year. I started to read this because of Jenn Im’s book club, @curlupclub, and I wanted to join into the discussion. (Reminder to self: join in next book for accountability). This was an interesting read. If you love Greek mythology, this is definitely one to check out! I thought it was a decent read, but it was quite long and the prose was really played out.

The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I think this book was one that was a $3.99 book deal. I got it because I knew I was going to take a Kpop in North Korea class in the upcoming semester (post to come soon). I realized that I didn’t know that much about North Korea and wanted to stretch myself too. It was a weird time to be reading it just given the political nature of America at the time. My parents don’t have much to say about North Korea, which is normal, but I thought a lot about my grandparents in South Korea and just thought a lot about the idea of this strange country. I also watched “The Last Princess” around the same time and had to take some time thinking about my Korean American identity.

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I was starting to feel anxious about being home all summer and about going into senior year of college online. This was given to me by a friend, and it came at just the right time. I felt mentally drained, but this book served its purpose by motivating me and sustained me to keep going. It was temporary, but it was what I needed, I walked away feeling better than I did than when I started. I found small things to be motivated with. This was, coincidentally, the 13th book I read this year, so I used that as a sign to keep going.

Educated by Tara Westover (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This was an impulsive Costco purchase and to justify my purchase, I went home and started reading. I think I read this before my semester began and I used it to be more thankful for the way my life is. I thought about my public school teachers. Ward, Markham, Kirk, Sindelar, Abels, Gillan, Evans, Reseigh, Wills-Keely, Bowdre, Ruffert, Ville, Kennedy, Murphy. These are all teachers from first grade to senior that had an impact on me. As I am tutoring, I began to understand how important a teacher can be and it motivated me to treat this as an “essential” job, because without those teachers, I wouldn’t be at this point.

How To Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This book was an inevitable read. I didn’t know how I felt reading it but it was definitely one I am glad to have read. I don’t think this is an answer, but merely a tool. It reminded me to constantly use this time that I have to educated myself in things that I don’t understand. I can never settle for where I am, I need to do better.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This might be a cheat, but I wanted to read easy books. After the last book, I was mentally really drained and hesitated to read. I wanted to read something I knew I would enjoy and wouldn’t be a burden. This was perfect. Not all the books you need to read as an adult need to be 800 pages of political dialogue or an analysis of social justice issues. It was a good read, it felt good because I liked reading. My charge to you, find a balance. I had been reading so many deep heavy books ((both nonfiction or fiction) that reading something like this genuinely brought me joy.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Again, I feel like this is cheating……but whatever. It was good and cute and a feel good. Sue me.

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I couldn’t stop at two, so I just finished the trilogy. This counts towards reading books from AAPI authors (HA).

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I only read one (for now). Mainly because I am on the waitlist for the other two books. I think the plot is building and it may be predictable, but at least that’s one thing I will be able to predict in the near future haha. You’ll see it on my list for 2021.

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwak (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Guess I was just on a role. I think I started this earlier in the year, but just didn’t finish it. I took a weekend to just finish it and added to my list of diverse authors/I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out (👀 )

PART 3 COMING SOON!

Comment your book recommendations!

Happy Reading

JLee

This is the biggest flex of my 2020, but this year I have finished 35 books so far and hope to finish 40 (plea to myself to stay disciplined). Honestly, this is the best habit I integrated into my quarantine routine. I was intentional about keeping my mind stimulated over the summer and finally checking things off my list to mitigate the feeling of being stuck at home. Reading felt like a better use of my time than Netflix and gave me something to do in the long hours at home with nothing to do.

I lost my Kindle earlier in 2019, so I asked for that in return for missing the rest of my study abroad (how many times will I write about my study abroad in this series?).

Here’s a list of what I read, my ratings (out of 5 stars), and the links to the books!

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I was happy to finally finish this monster of a book, not one that I would recommend to start your dive into reading again, but I loved the movie and managed to push through. I found that reading books with movies allowed me to consume more time out of the free time that I had, but also be more excited to read.

Becoming by Michelle Obama (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I also tried to diversify my genres. I was intentional in choosing interesting non-fiction pieces. This book has been one I’ve been meaning to read, so out of my long book list, I thought this one would be able to sustain me and empower me to read more. I am glad that I did wait some time to get the book instead of waiting over 20 weeks on Overdrive for a copy.

They Both Die in the End by Adam Silvera (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This one came highly recommended from my younger sister. I tried to read books that I already had at home or ones that I could donate after having read them. Of course my sister decided that to counter this effort, by buying brand new books with colorful covers. To stop myself from going on a book spree, I just decided that this now counted as a book that was at home and read it. I understand its ratings and quick rise to fame, but it was an easy read that I finished outside on a Saturday day in July.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This was actually a book I had at home, so I was relieved to read it. Honestly, I don’t know where it came from, but it took me at least 100 pages to get into the book. I had to read some reviews online to finally understand that the book is narrated by Death for a portion of the book. It ended up being one of my favorite books thus far. I am glad I read this and added a historical fiction onto my list.

The Assault by Harry Mulisch (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I don’t think this is a very popular book, but this is a novel I read in high school and one of those things where I wanted to see how the story changed after a few years of having forgotten about it. I was also starting to go through a slump, so reading a book where I already knew the story, helped me keep my reading momentum. It’s still a fantastic read and I went back to read some of the essays I wrote about it, I have to hand it to my eleventh grade English teacher for not roasting my writing abilities. I nearly sent him an email apologizing, but refrained, because I know he would say to value the growth I have experienced since then, and he would have said something about the state of the Denver Broncos (long story).

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I had bought this a couple years ago after reading TKM in ninth grade, but never got around to reading this book. This was at the height of the BLM protests in the summer. I was really conflicted about what to read, and this was one that opened my eyes organically to the systemic racism in America. I think I identified with Scout a lot, I was quick to react and never analyzed the whole situation. I resonated most with this quote….

“I was taught never to take advantage of anybody who was less fortunate than myself, whether he be less fortunate in brains, wealth, or social position; it meant anybody…”

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

I made me reflect a lot about my own beliefs and policies and facilitated a lot of conversations with my parents.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (⭐️⭐️)

This was one that we had at home. It was fine, I didn’t enjoy the story enough to watch the movie. It was a fine story, all about an apocalyptic world, but it isn’t a genre that I love and I don’t find it that interesting. Glad I am reading more books at home, but this was one disappointment.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I admit, I wanted to read this because of the Hulu show that came out based off of this book. My sister read this first (one of her book purchases, mentioned in #3) and liked it a lot. I didn’t have the same experience. The plot was underwhelming and I didn’t find it particularly well written, but I did want to read more books from AAPI authors and this was on my list. I am hoping to read more books from this author and hope it will be a better experience.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This was a book that I skimmed in 8th grade. Nothing left an imprint on my brain and I basically read it for the first time. I think my school had an event with Maya Angelou, I’m not sure what it is, but it is something that sparked my interest to read this book I had in my Kindle library. This is about when I discovered my local library card/OverDrive/Libby. It opened up myself to more books to read and began most books on my list.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

I thought this was interesting to read after having read The Book Thief earlier in the year. I ended up reading this on my Kindle. I liked how this had a love line because many of the books I have read up until this point didn’t include a love story. It was a nice change of pace. I found the writing really familiar (in a good way) and it was easy to read. I loved the ending. I hope to visit Auschwitz one day when we can all travel again.

PART 2 COMING SOON

Happy Reading

JLee

It’s been quite a while since I’ve sat down to type out some of the things on mind.

I am closing my senior year of college from home in Colorado. All my classes are over Zoom and while I’m thankful that communication courses translate well online, online learning has opened my eyes to a lot of issues that go ignored in the American education system.

I have been tutoring online and (safely) in-person since April when I got out of my European quarantine. I teach kids all over the US and all different age ranges.

One thing remains the same in all of my students, they are sick.

COVID-19 is not the only disease that is spreading amongst the youth in America.

They are more susceptible to the mistreatment of time, the toxicity of social media, the strain of relationships, the depression of mundane activities, and the illness of dissatisfaction.

As college student, I know what I am missing out on, and yet I can be thankful for the 3 years I spent in Washington DC. I have complaints, but not regrets.

My students don’t know what they are missing. They are settling with Disney+ for personal time, unaware of what to be thankful for during the Thanksgiving season, and troubled with the loss of 2020 stuck at home.

I find more empathy for parents, mine especially. I can’t imagine having to entertain a 3rd grader at home, prepare all the meals (or spend the extra money on a delivery fee), balancing that with work, and still trying to cope with the fact that life is exhausting. As adults, there are easy ways to cope and we have the privilege of getting to complain online or drowning sorrows in adult beverages.

Think about our kids. My sister can’t hug her friends. The most exciting thing that happened recently was when someone dropped off a care package for me and we had a conversation well over 6 feet from each other. It’s sad. I am sad. This pandemic has affected every aspect of my life that I can brainstorm writing this. Even then, I cannot stop thinking about how my students must be feeling. They are sluggish, lost, unmotivated. I don’t blame them either.

I employ you to consider your kids and our future generation when you go to a supermarket without your mask on, swear your social circle is just your family when you go to private meetings with other families, or travel when experts are encouraging us to stay home.

It is vital that we do this together and for each other. You like going out to bars? Great! To ensure that we can go back and enjoy those things, stay inside, get takeout, support them while things are locked down. This disease does not care that you want the happy hour, it doesn’t stop spreading because you want to go see your friends. It is simply not about you anymore. It is about your neighbors, it’s for the grandparents who are alone this Thanksgiving, it is for the college students opting to stay in their cramped apartments to save the lives of their immunocompromised family members, it’s for the mail(wo)man who is delivering your Amazon packages.

Please stay home, teach your kids that you can get through, set the example, and be intentional to find gratitude this season.

Stay safe. Be well.

JLee

May’s Quarantine music challenge was doing the Instagram 30 day music challenge. I chose a few songs every day under the theme. I’ll highlight some of my favorite days!

Day 11-A song you never get tired of

Pluto Projector by Rex Orange County

I love this whole album, but this is one of my favorite song on the album. It’s one of those songs I can sing all the parts to and a song that I can listen to at any time of the day and still makes me happy.

Day 21-A song with a person’s name in the title

Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder

ROXANNE by Arizona Zervas

Day 22-A song that moves you forward

Burj Khalifa by Epik High

This used to be my hype song in high school during a swim meet. It got my adrenaline flowing and whenever I listen to it, I feel motivated to conquer a good run.

G.O.M.D. by JCole

Weirdly another one of my pump up songs even though it isn’t that upbeat. This album came out my freshman year of high school and became one of my favorite albums and my most listened to in those 4 years.

I can’t go through all the days, but this was something new for me to go and think about different themes. This ended up being a hefty playlist, but one that I am strangely really proud of. Here’s to music that leaves good memories in our hearts.

Happy Listening~

JLee

Long time no listen folks,

I know I am trying to get back into writing and hopefully more consistently. This playlist was filled a lot more with house music and more bass heavy tracks. There was a lot of music from a couple years ago that I rediscovered in April. It was a refreshing month full of new tunes and getting out of a music rut.

Spilled Milk by Majid Jordan

It’s a bit embarrassing, but a lot of my recommendations came from TikTok. Accounts like @nnoahtaylor, @arijelkins, and @loveinamovie put me on to new music and new releases. This one reminds of me The Weeknd vibe and one to listen to around sunset on a mindless drive driving down Arapahoe and watching the mountains.

Brazil by Declan McKenna

I love the electric guitar in this intro and throughout the song, ALMOST made me want to pick up playing the guitar and learn how to play. This was really my introduction into INDIE INDIE music. This is something that I’ve been able to bond with my sister with. This is similar to a Foster the People or Wallows vibe.

Mango by Peach Tree Rascals

This song is a feel for summer with a catchy bass and witty lyrics. I think the chorus was stuck in my head for a least 3 weeks. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! This sound is most similar to Remi Wolf or Anna of the North (ish).

Stuck with U by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber

I actually didn’t like this song at first, but the more I listened I found myself singing along. I think that happens with a lot of Ariana songs for me. Honestly, I think this is the song I will remember from quarantining. I hope I can listen back to this song and remember this time in my life.

Don’t worry I’ll be uploading all my playlists that I have been listening to every month! Thanks for liking these posts and enjoying this piece of my brain.

Happy Listening~

JLee