2016. Man, had this year been a whirlwind. I’ve done a lot of traveling, met a lot of great people, and made some even better memories. Today, I looked up my Instagram Top 9 and although social media is absolutely a glamorized version of our lives this selection of photos still holds a lot of weight for me.
I’ve always been a very visual person, so taking photos is something I love. I love being able to share those. I travel quite a bit and get to explore some amazing places so capturing that through an instagram post is the least I can do.
With in my top 9 grid I was transported back to many places and experiences that just go to show how this year has gone. Although, I have to admit that every single is from the second half of the year which seems very fitting. The last part of 2016 has been very much about living my best life and it’s very comforting to see that I’ve documented that a bit.
Here’s where I took each of these photos and why they matter to me. Photos from top to bottom, left to right.
Bridge over the Kennedy, West Town. Whenever the weather is nice, I walk a half mile to a coffee shop while I’m at work. Each time I go over this bridge that sits over the express I spend the majority of my life on. It’s also my very favorite view of my very favorite city.
South Loop. I took this photo while supporting one of my best college friends who was working on an event. But it’s also some buildings in the south loop where Columbia is located. So many memories on these blocks.
Milwaukee Trip. In the fall I took three days of work for a bit of R&R and drove my butt up to Milwaukee. I spent two days exploring on my own and saw one of my favorite bands at The Rave. The morning before I left, I had a panic attack and almost canceled the whole thing, but I stuck to my plans and worked through it. It ended up being a huge turning point for my state of mind, and this “Choose a Positive Thought” mural couldn’t be more accurate.
River North. This day was spent in a part of the city I rarely go to with some of my family. It was a good one, and river north is always very photogenic.
4th of July, Door County. I spent the majority of the July 4th weekend driving between states but it was amazing. I spent time with one of my best friends and a whole bunch of my family. I also wore all black all weekend because the weather sucked and I loved every second of it.
Lake Shore, Sky deck. I visited the Sky Deck of the SEARS TOWER for the first time in years and although my favorite part of the lake shore is a bit farther south, this view doesn’t hurt.
Top of the Rock NYC. Over the last year, I’ve fallen madly in love iwth New York City and this is a photo from this fall’s trip. The weather was chilly but I was with two of my favorite people and had an amazing weekend featuring a quote that really hit a chord with me recently.
Sister Bay. I’ve gone up to door county every few months for the last year and a half or so. It’s beginning to feel like a home away from home. Every time we stop at this little harbor and take photos. So here’s one of those with the advice to always keep my head above water.
West Town. This photo was taken right outside where I work while on the phone with my mom. It was during the summer and I was feeling very stuck (hence the wording).
