Hello, my name is Rachel Jason. I like edamame, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and one day I hope to become a journalist and write about injustices in this world. This year has been very hard, not just for me, but for a lot of people. However, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It taught me so much – new interests, self-love, and new philosophies that I have chosen to live by. During times like this, it is extremely important to look at the happy things in life, so in honor of my Creative Writing assignment, I will be sharing 10 of my favorite things.

1. Clouds

Where do I even begin? Clouds have always been my favorite thing and especially during quarantine, I would pass time by sitting in front of my window and looking up at the clouds in the sky. They are so unique, with each one being a different size and shape. I would have to say that my favorite types of clouds are Cumulus, Cumulonimbus, and Altocumulus. All in all, I just love the sky, whether it’s a sunset or a sunrise, or looking at a crescent moon surrounded by thousands of stars. I find it so peaceful and beautiful.

2. New York City

My love for New York City is unreal. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to grow up and live in the big city, at the time my dream took place in Philadelphia. However, my sister lives in New York City and the first time I visited her, I fell in love with it. I love the bustle, the different types of people, and how everyone is so carefree and lives for themselves. I love running through the rain and avoiding the big puddles while j-walking across a busy intersection. I love walking to the bagel shop at 8 in the morning and laying on the grass in the peaceful and serene Central Park. I plan on living in New York City some time in my life, even if it’s not forever, I want to experience the big city life.

3. Mamma Mia!

The joy this movie brings to me is unmatchable. I watched this movie when it was released, 2008, so I was 4 years old. I watched it with my aunt and ever since then I have been known as the Dancing Queen. I can’t imagine anyone else playing Donna other than Meryl Streep; honestly I can’t imagine anyone else being part of the cast. I think everyone’s role and acting was perfect. Obviously, the soundtrack was amazing (creds to ABBA). This movie began my life long dream to travel to Greece. I fell in love with the scenery, culture, and architecture that was depicted in the movie. Now I find myself watching travel vlogs to Greece, manifesting my trip there, and adding pictures of Greece to my pinterest board everyday.

4. Giveon

During quarantine, I began to listen to more and more music every day. I love R&B music, so I tried to find new artists. Once GIveon played from the Daily Mix playlist that Spotify created for me, I have played him on repeat. His voice is so calming and amazing. He truly is so talented–I could listen to his voice for days (well I literally do). He doesn’t have many albums, instead choosing to release singles, but my favorite album is TAKE TIME. His music never disappoints, I don’t have a least favorite song of his. Around 2 a.m. his music hits differently, it feels like I am entering a new universe, a new dimension, separate from the world I live in. It takes me to a universe where I feel calm and peaceful.

5. Pinterest

Pinterest is my new favorite app. At this point, I would call it a hobby. You will find me on pintrest at least 3 times a day. It is my new technique of procrastination and enjoyment all in one. I look at my pinterest boards as motivation to work hard in school in order to succeed in life and be able to accomplish the dreams I have “pinned.” I have a collaboration board with my best friend called “Da Future”. We have pins based on lifestyle, traveling and living. We use it as motivation to remind us what all of our late night studying and school stress is for. My other boards include potential outfits which I hope to recreate once I am not broke and tattoos that I would like to get once I am 18. Since I am sadly not naturally photogenic like other blessed people, I have a board based on different poses for pictures. Evidently, Pinterest is a relaxing outlet for me.

6. Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls is my all-time favorite show. I have rewatched it at least 10 times. I remember when I was younger, my sister and I would wake up at 10 a.m. every Saturday to watch the episodes on tv. Gilmore Girls was a way for us to bond and something we both shared an interest about. The relationship between Lorelai and Rory is a relationship I aspire to have with my future children. I love the town of Stars Hollow–well, I don’t like the fact that everyone knows each other’s personal life; however, I do like the fact that everyone is like family. I believe that everyone must watch that show once in their lifetime. I have no idea why, but I truly have a special connection to it. P.S. if you know what I am talking about, Team Jess forever. 

7. Pineapple

Pineapple. When I tell you that I can eat an entire pineapple, I am not exaggerating. I have done it before and do not regret it at all. Something about pineapples just makes me so happy. It’s tangy, sweet, juicy. The best pineapple I have ever tasted was on a cruise. What did I eat? Pineapple. Where was I most of the time? At the fruit bar, near the pineapple station. Well in general, I just really love fruit. And vegetables. And bread. Anyways, fruits and vegetables are just something else, especially pineapple.

8. Bella Figura: How to Live, Love and Eat the Italian Way

This is my favorite book. I read it during quarantine and I am so beyond glad that I decided to buy it at an old book store. I love to travel (I always have) and I plan on traveling around the entire world. I have always wanted to go to Greece, Barcelona, Thailand, Russia, New Zealand, etc. Until I read Bella Figura, Italy had never been a top-ten for me, which is surprising since it is for many people. However due to this autobiography, I learned about the beautiful culture and lifestyle of the country. I fell in love with the food, language, and people just by reading this book. The author Kamin Mohammadi wrote so well that it made me feel as if I was in Italy experiencing her life changing journey with her. I recommend this book to everyone; it not only sparked my love for Italy, but also taught me about self love, independence, and the beauty and simplicity of life.

9. Graham Slam

Graham Slam is my favorite ice cream! It is from Sweet Nelles and at the moment, I am pretty sure it is the only ice cream place that has this flavor. I love crunchy food–it’s the only texture I like–and this ice cream flavor has all of the crunchy sensations that I love. The chocolate chips have a crispy wafer in them, and there are graham cracker bits which add to the crunch. It is definitely very sweet, but it changes my mood in a heartbeat. It makes me a happier person and improves my mental health.

10. Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama shares part of my heart. She is my queen and someone I have always looked up to. I am currently reading her book, which I totally recommend. I listen to her podcast, which I also really recommend, and of course her movie on Netflix, which I recommend as well. In general, she is an incredible, jaw-dropping woman. She is insanely intelligent, empowers young women, and is a huge advocate for the importance of fitness and nutrition. Michelle Obama is more than just the First Lady; she is a woman that had her own goals and dreams which she accomplished while also being the First Lady. The power she holds is incredible and well-deserved.