2019 Sucked.
Ok fine, it wasn’t the worst, but there were some major changes in the second half that had to be dealt with.
But this circumstance aside, it was still actually a good year. It’s still another year of changes, growth, new experiences.
For one, 2019 brought about going from not really being a concert goer, to seeing 4x K-pop concerts that visited Chicago. This in itself was a great family experience as I was able to go with my little cousins Hannah, Richelle, and Michael and enjoy these all together.
Another wonderful addition to my life this year was this one group chat I found myself in. Remember when Facebook had “Groups” group chats? Well, I found my way into one that talked about everything K-pop and even though they were already acquainted with one another by the time I joined, I quickly found myself befriending quite a few of them, making a solid bond. Through the catalyst of our general passions about the music and dramas, we created a baseline conversation from which we’ve now evolved into being able to talk about life in general and deeper, closer-to-the-heart topics.
This group is such a diverse group of people – different ages, locations, backgrounds, experiences, interests – and everyone genuinely cares about one another. Even for an ancient Ahjussi like me to be part of all of their lives. Most of us haven’t even met face-to-face yet, so that’s why there aren’t photos of these people for this year. They all have definitely made an impact on me this year and hopefully 2020 we’ll all get together and unite!
Not to write a play-by-play recap of the year, as I’ll kind of let the photos just do that, I’ll still leave off with my continued belief:
Re-reading 2018, I know I said this there, but “the people in your life truly affect you. I deeply believe in “everything happens for a reason” and that every moment, every decision you make has effects down the line.” You’ll never be able to fully plan out your life. New people will enter your circle, others may drift away, circumstances beyond your own control can also completely change the course of life that you may have envisioned. In the end, being able to look back just a bit, perhaps it’s not that the path has veered, but maybe it’s that it was the intended path in the first place?
Cherish each moment. Say hello to an old friend. Drink a glass of water.
Thank you to everyone that made awesome 2019 memories with me and kept me growing. Here’s to the roaring 20s!
Hannah Talusan surprised at her 18th Birthday Party at D'Andrea Banquets & Conference, Crystal Lake, Ill., Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. 
Matt Brophy takes a break from ice clearing during Man Weekend 7: Superbowl Edition 2 Electric Boogaloo in Hazelhurst, Wisc., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. 
During Man Weekend 7: Superbowl Edition 2 Electric Boogaloo in Hazelhurst, Wisc., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. 
Soju selections for my 28th birthday celebration, February 9, 2019. 
Celebrating my birthday early with family in McHenry, Ill., Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019. 
Red Velvet performing REDMARE at the Chicago Theatre Feb. 15, 2019. 
Prairie Ridge co-op freshman Gracie Willis competes her balance beam routine during the IHSA Girls State Gymnastics State Championship at Palatine High School, Palatine, Ill., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Willis finished third, with a final score of 9.3500. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Woodstock North cheerleaders hype up the crowd during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the IHSA Class 3A boys basketball Genoa-Kingston Regional championship game at Genoa-Kingston High School, Genoa, Ill., Friday, March 1, 2019. Woodstock North defeated Genoa-Kingston, 67-63, and captured the program's first regional title in its history. (photo for Shaw Media) 
As the team celebrates behind him, Woodstock North Head Coach Dale Jandron expresses his own excitement after cutting off the final piece of the net after winning the IHSA Class 3A boys basketball Genoa-Kingston Regional final game at Genoa-Kingston High School, Genoa, Ill., Friday, March 1, 2019. Woodstock North defeated Genoa-Kingston, 67-63, and captured the program's first regional title in its history. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Group photo when we visited Javy Perez in Iowa City, Iowa, March 9, 2019. 
Ken Hoffmeyer posing at a CoffeeHaus Wednesday, March 20, 2019. 
Cruising to Coffee Haus, Wednesday, March 27, 2019. 
McHenry JV sophomore Richelle Abano during her singles match against Niles at Niles North High School, Skokie, Ill., Monday, April 1, 2019. 
Cary-Grove pitcher Quinn Priester (12) adjusts his cap on his walk to the dugout after pitching in the fourth inning of the Fox Valley Conference game at Crystal Lake South High School, Crystal Lake, Ill., Saturday, April 13, 2019. The Trojans won, 8-0. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Celebrating Erin's 28th birthday in Milwaukee, Wisc., Saturday, April 13, 2019. 
Celebrating Erin's 28th birthday in Milwaukee, Wisc., Saturday, April 13, 2019. 
Chi-town 86 Season Opener 2019 in Chicago, Ill., Saturday, April 20, 2019. 
Richelle Abano during her badminton match at Libertyville High School, Libertyville, Ill., Tuesday, April 23, 2019. 
During the Blackpink 2019 World Tour stop at Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill., Wednesday, April 24, 2019. 
During the Blackpink 2019 World Tour stop at Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill., Wednesday, April 24, 2019. 
Selfie with Michael and Hannah Talusan after watching the Blackpink 2019 World Tour stop at Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill., Wednesday, April 24, 2019. 
Nathaniel Sajo and Jules Quimbo at Unofficial/Official Coffee Haus Wednesday, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. 
Chi-Town 86 representation during the Chitown Subarus BIG MEET in Itasca, Ill., Saturday, May 11, 2019. 
Group shot with the Chicago skyline as a background at an Unofficial/Official Wednesday Meet in Chicago, Ill., Wednesday, May 15, 2019. 
Photo with Lewis Cafaro and Victoria Lao at Unofficial/Official Wednesday Meet in Chicago, Ill., Wednesday, May 15, 2019. 
Lewis Cafaro posing for a photo at Unofficial/Official Wednesday Meet in Chicago, Ill., Wednesday, May 15, 2019. 
The Prairie Ridge Choir performs Vera Lynn's "We Will Meet Again" during the Commencement Program of the Class of 2019 at Prairie Ridge High School, Crystal Lake, Ill., Saturday, May 18, 2019. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Bailey Stefko, 18, snacks on gummi candy while awaiting the beginning of the Woodstock High School Graduation Ceremony at Woodstock High School, Woodstock, Ill., Sunday, May 19, 2019. In the fall, Stefko plans on entering the nursing program at McHenry County College. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Cristian Garcia, 18, and fellow graduates listen to Dr. Art Vallicelli's address during the Woodstock High School Graduation Ceremony at Woodstock High School, Woodstock, Ill., Sunday, May 19, 2019. Garcia plans to enter the nursing program at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside in the fall. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Photoshoot with Ariana and Nathaniel Sajo's Toyota 86 in Skokie, Ill., Thursday, May 23, 2019. 
Nathaniel Sajo posing for a photo at Coffee Haus in Schaumburg, Ill., Wednesday, May 29, 2019. 
Ben Quiaoit posing with his 86 at Coffee Haus in Schaumburg, Ill., Wednesday, May 29, 2019. 
Hampshire celebrates winning the IHSA Class 4A McHenry Sectional championship game against Cary-Grove at Peterson Park, McHenry, Ill., Saturday, June 1, 2019. The Whip-Purs won, 5-4. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Kyle James being carried by Nick Squires at a CoffeeHaus Wednesday, June 5, 2019. 
Chansy and Lewis Cafaro playing games in the back of Chansy's FR-S at a CoffeeHaus Wednesday, June 5, 2019. 
Jose More at dinner in Charleston, W. Va. for USTA National Championships 2019, Tuesday, June 18, 2019. 
Blueberry buttermilk pie in from Charleston, W. Va. June 19, 2019. 
Photo with Marcy Makino in Charleston, W. Va. for USTA National Championships 2019, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. 
Ariana in Charleston, W. Va. June 22, 2019. 
Ariana in Charleston, W. Va. June 23, 2019. 
Forza-inspired edit with Ariana at our AIRBNB in Little Suamico, Wisc., June 28, 2019. 
Family group photo in Little Suamico, Wisc., Saturday, June 29, 2019. 
Starscape in Little Suamico, Wisc., Sunday, June 30, 2019. 
Photo from a 2AM after-CoffeeHaus-Wednesday cruise to Chinatown with Chi-Town 86 members, July 4, 2019. 
Photoshoot with Jeremy Sacramento's new-to-him Lexus IS 250 and Ariana at Glacial Park Conservation Area in Ringwood, Ill., Sunday, July 14, 2019. 
TWICE World Tour 2019 'TWICELIGHTS' Chicago concert at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., Tuesday, July 23, 2019. 
TWICE World Tour 2019 'TWICELIGHTS' Chicago concert at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., Tuesday, July 23, 2019. 
Hannah Talusan and Richelle posing with Ariana after watching TWICE World Tour 2019 'TWICELIGHTS' Chicago concert at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., Wednesday, July 24, 2019. 
Portrait of Cristal Kawi and Jake Gricar in Chicago, Ill., Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019. 
Photo of Buddy, Aug. 9, 2019. 
Isaiah Nelson, 12, of Hebron, rests for a moment during Buss Fest at Ryan Buss Zone Skate Park, McHenry, Ill., Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019. Nelson, along with his mother (not pictured) volunteer with Warp Corps, a collective of activists working together to combat the nation’s suicide and substance abuse epidemic. Buss Fest, in its second year, is a remembrance of Ryan Buss a McHenry County native and military veteran who committed suicide after he returned home from his Army deployment and son of the owners of Buss Ford in McHenry. Buss Fest also featured local bands and mental health, substance abuse awareness groups to help remember Ryan Buss and raise awareness about suicide prevention. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Sunset photoshoot with Nathaniel Sajo's Toyota 86 and Ariana at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Ill., Friday, Aug. 16, 2019. 
Crystal Lake Central's Bayden Hubacher reacts after a missed putt on the on the 17th green during the 2019 Huntley Invite at Blackstone Golf Club, Marengo, Ill., Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019. Hubacher finished the day in 23rd place, scoring a 14-over-par 86. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Prairie Ridge quarterback Connor Lydon (9) celebrates a touchdown with teammates in the third quarter of an IHSA Fox Valley Conference game against Crystal Lake Central at Crystal Lake Central High School, Crystal Lake, Ill., Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Photo with longtime friend Cristal (Kawi) Gricar at her wedding, Sept. 6, 2019. 
Crystal Lake Central Poms squad dances in the pregame of the week 3 football game against Crystal Lake South at Crystal Lake Central High School on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, Crystal Lake, Ill. Crystal Lake Central won, 37-21. (photo for Shaw Media) 
A Friday the 13th Harvest Moon rises as Crystal Lake South hikes the ball in the second quarter of their week 3 football game at Crystal Lake Central High School on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, Crystal Lake, Ill. The next Friday the 13th Full Moon is set to occur Aug. 13, 2049. Crystal Lake Central won, 37-21. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Crystal Lake Central defensive back Jacob White (28) intercepts a pass intended for Crystal Lake South's Gavin Giejda (4) in the third quarter of their week 3 football game at Crystal Lake Central High School on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, Crystal Lake, Ill. Crystal Lake Central won, 37-21. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Jacobs quarterback Cole Bhardwaj (2) snaps the first play to a setting sun in the first quarter of their week 4 football game against McHenry at Jacobs High School on Friday, Sep. 20, 2019, in Algonquin. The Warriors defeated the Eagles, 20-10. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Group photo at the Texas at WVU NCAA football game on the weekend we visited our cousin Adrian Perez and Ixya Vega in WVU in Morgantown, W. Va., Oct. 5, 2019. 
Richelle before MCHS 2019 Homecoming in McHenry, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. 
Richelle before MCHS 2019 Homecoming in McHenry, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. 
Sharon Lee (from that K-pop group chat I mentioned) was in Chicago for a weekend and we were able to have our schedules line up so we could grab lunch together, Oct. 16, 2019.
Fun fact: she's a violinist with a Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/sharleeism) and does many covers and gives some tutorials too! 
Crystal Lake South Dom Collado (78) and running back Ian Burke (8) celebrate their week 8 victory over Jacobs at Crystal Lake South High School on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, in Crystal Lake. The Gators won, 28-21. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Family photo celebrating Halloween 2019, Oct. 27, 2019. 
My initial inspiration of Hobbs from the Fast and Furious franchise for my Halloween 2019 costume. 
Edited photo with my Halloween costume matching well with Blackpink's Kill This Love M/V concept; later, was used for my Holiday card mailed to some of my "group chat" friends. 
Jacobs' Liam Armstrong (2) takes a moment after time expires in their Class 3A Conant Boys Soccer Supersectional match at Conant High School on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, Hoffman Estates, Ill. Jacobs lost, 2-0, and finished their season 16-5-3. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Huntley setter Taylor Jakubowski (12) sets the ball in the first set of their Class 4A Streamwood girls volleyball supersectional match at Streamwood High School on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, Streamwood, Ill. The Red Raiders lost, 26-24, 25-23. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Marist receiver Carnell Tate (82) makes a reception, en route to scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of their during a second-round Class 8A playoff game at Marist High School on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Chicago, Ill. Marist won, 14-7. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Phillips Academy linebacker Jason Cannon (10) reacts as Mount Carmel quarterback Justin Lynch (1) runs in a touchdown in the second quarter of their during a Class 7A quarterfinal playoff game at Mount Carmel High School on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, Chicago, Ill. Mount Carmel won, 24-8. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Shopping with Vanessa Burritt in Chicago, Ill. Nov. 23, 2019. 
Group chat snapshot with Abhinav and Chance, Nov. 27, 2019. 
Burlington Central forward Jake Lenschow (22) reacts after a foul call in the second quarter of the game at Cary-Grove High School on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in Cary, Ill. Burlington Central lost, 53-38. (photo for Shaw Media) 
McHenry guard Anthony Fowler (32) and Jacobs guard James Hayes (5) rush to a loose ball in the second quarter of the game at McHenry High School West Campus on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in McHenry, Ill. Jacobs won, 74-61. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Group photo at Friendsgiving VI (Friendsmas I) at The Rogers' residence Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. 
Dundee-Crown junior Gianine Boado watches warmups from half-court before the game at McHenry High School West Campus on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, in McHenry, Ill. Boado sat the game out due to a knee injury. (photo for Shaw Media) 
McHenry's Ava Interrante (20) and Breanna Hoy (10) leads celebrations by hoisting the championship trophy after defeating DeKalb in the championship game of the 31st Annual Northern Illinois Girls Holiday Basketball Classic at McHenry High School West Campus on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, in McHenry, Ill. McHenry won, 67-29. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Jacobs guard Jaden Henderson (22) layups the ball in the first quarter of a 20th Annual Hinkle Holiday Classic game at Jacobs High School on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Algonquin, Ill. Jacobs won, 69-43. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Black team group photo with our winning Relay Gingerbread House at Christmas 2019 at the Sacramento's Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019. 
Singing karaoke at Christmas 2019 at the Sacramento's Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019. 
Kids generation group photo at Christmas 2019 at the Sacramento's Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019. 
Cary-Grove center/forward Frank Jakubicek (33) dunks the ball in the fourth quarter of a 20th Annual Hinkle Holiday Classic game at Harry D. Jacobs High School on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, in Algonquin, Ill. Cary-Grove won, 69-57. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Waubonsie Valley guard Isaiah Smith (2) celebrates as he finishes a dunk past Cary-Grove guard Ryan Weaver (21) in the second quarter of the 20th Annual Hinkle Holiday Classic championship game at Harry D. Jacobs High School on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Algonquin, Ill. Waubonsie Valley won, 78-65. (photo for Shaw Media) 
Dundee-Crown head coach Sarah Miller (right) jumps in celebration of defeating New Trier in the fourth quarter of the 7th-place game of the 37th Annual Dundee-Crown Komaromy Classic Tournament at Dundee-Crown High School on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Carpentersville, Ill. (photo for Shaw Media)