Every year teaches us something different. Some years are loud and obvious in their lessons; others are quieter, slowly rearranging your life until one day you look around and realize everything feels new.
2025 was one of those years for me — full of movement, risk, curiosity, and more gratitude than I can easily put into words. Here are some of the moments that made it unforgettable.
Working a Second Job at Ulta
This may be an atypical highlight of someone’s year, but working a part-time job at Ulta alongside my full-time role truly changed what was possible for me in 2025.
That extra income allowed me to save quickly, move across the country, and buy new furniture without carrying a heavy financial burden — something I will never forget or take lightly. Yes, it was a very busy seven months, but it was also full of laughs, genuine connection with coworkers I still miss dearly, and a chance to geek out about makeup and skincare (a dream, honestly). It also served as a grounding outlet during other stressful moments in my life. I’m endlessly grateful for that season.
Visiting Buffalo for the First Time
I can’t believe it, but I’d never been to Buffalo before 2025.
At the end of February, I decided to visit so I could experience the city in winter — but without fully committing to it just yet. My best friend met me here, and we spent three days doing as the Buffalonians do: exploring neighborhoods, meeting people, going to a hockey game, and yes, casually looking at apartments.
I’d done a lot of research beforehand and knew Buffalo was a contender, but I needed a vibe check. If I didn’t hate it, I was going to move. And well… here we are. I’ll never forget seeing the city for the first time and realizing it felt like possibility.
Reading Some Great Books
While I didn’t read as much in 2025 as I have in years past (understandably), I still read some truly great books.
My three five-star reads were Going There by Katie Couric, Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green, and The Cobbler by Steve Madden — all nonfiction. I just can’t get over real-life stories; it takes exceptional fiction to compete.
Some of my four-star reads included:
Runnin’ With the Devil by Noel E. Monk,
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham,
Anna: The Biography by Amy Odell,
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore,
Jaws by Peter Benchley,
The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort, and
Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer.
Attending My First WNBA Game
At the end of June, I treated myself to a ticket to see the Dallas Wings take on the Indiana Fever in Dallas. I bought the ticket the moment it went on sale — this was a very coveted matchup, featuring top draft picks Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.
In 2024, I watched nearly every WNBA game of the season (seriously), so finally seeing one in person felt special. Unfortunately, this was the very beginning of Caitlin’s injuries, so she didn’t play — but she was signing autographs and hanging out on the sidelines, which was still cool to see. I was just as excited to watch Paige, along with Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Sophie Cunningham. It was such a fun, memorable night.
Moving Into My Dream Apartment
Getting rid of half my belongings (including my car), packing up the rest, and driving a moving truck more than 30 hours isn’t exactly a highlight — but what waited on the other side absolutely was.
I loved my building from the moment I saw it online, and seeing it in person only confirmed it. The problem? The exact unit I wanted — a large corner studio in the heart of downtown Buffalo with a beautiful view — was already taken. The only way it could be mine was if someone broke their lease.
I truly feared it wouldn’t work out, and I don’t think anyone really knows how much I hoped, wished, and dreamed for that apartment. When the lease was eventually broken, it still took help from the property manager to line everything up. And yet… here I am, living in it. I’m endlessly grateful and still can’t believe I get to call this place home.
Exploring Buffalo
One of the best parts of moving somewhere new is exploring it.
Since arriving in Buffalo, I’ve taken walking tours, eaten at new (to me) restaurants, gone to every market and festival possible, attended free concerts, shopped at Wegmans (of course), met new people, learned about the history, and tried to embrace the local culture in every way I can. This chapter has brought me so much joy, and I can’t wait to keep exploring in 2026.
Letting My Mind Wander
Years ago, when I worked as a journalist, interviewing people and sharing their stories fed my curiosity in a very specific way. Now, I’m actively looking for new ways to stay creative and keep learning.
This year, I found so much joy in letting my mind wander — following rabbit holes simply because something interested me. I spent hours digging into the stories surrounding the Long Island Serial Killer (via a podcast and a Peacock documentary), revisiting journalism icons like Katie Couric, Connie Chung, and Dan Rather, learning more about fashion greats like Anna Wintour, and I’m just beginning to explore bands with iconic guitarists like Van Halen and Black Sabbath.
There is nothing quite like going to the library and scouring the stacks for books connected to whatever rabbit hole I’m currently in.
Attending My First Buffalo Bills Game
Once I knew I was moving to Buffalo, I started watching the Bills — after all, being a fan is a huge part of the culture here. While I’m a college football fan at heart (Geaux Tigers!), I’ve loved learning the nuances of pro football and the rituals that come with being a Bills fan.
I watched every game this season, some at home and some at bars, and was lucky enough to attend the Bills vs. Bengals game. It was the final season at Highmark Stadium, it snowed all day, and there was a lively rivalry between the teams. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other fans and cheering together was such a special experience. I hope to attend another game next season — but no matter what, I’ll be cheering from wherever I am.
Helping Others
It’s not lost on me how difficult this year has been for so many people — those I know and many I don’t. Helping others in any way I can has always been important to me.
Sometimes that looks small, like holding a door, giving directions (something I did often this year, proudly), or attending a charity concert. Other times it means donating money or resources. One of my favorite moments this year was filling one of Buffalo’s community fridges — a resource that requires nothing from those who need it: no paperwork, no questions, just free food in a neighborhood with limited access to produce.
I had so much fun shopping for the fridge and even chatted with a kind local on my train ride to make the drop. We are truly in the trenches now, and we need each other more than ever. I’m deeply grateful to be able to help and plan to continue doing so whenever I can.
This look back has helped me clarify what I’m hoping for in 2026, and I’m so grateful you’re here. Having this space to write and share my life is not something I take lightly — it’s truly a dream come true to keep filling this little corner of the internet with something good.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the holiday season, and I’m wishing you a safe and happy New Year.
Talk to you in 2026. ✨
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