Twenty-Five Things I Love Most in the World
This week, I celebrate my 25th birthday! Through various blog articles and YouTube videos, I’ve divulged my interests, hobbies, academic pursuits, and professional affairs. However, there’s still so much more to know about me! In an effort to commemorate my birthday and connect on a personal level with our readers, I’ll be sharing the 25 things I love most in the world, in no particular order. Read on to learn about my quirks and find out what we might have in common.
1. Cloudy Days
Clouds diffuse the sunlight, which means that cloudy days are perfect for relaxing, taking walks outside, and doing some photography. I much prefer an overcast day to clear, sunny skies.
2. Maria
Maria has been by my side in the best and worst of circumstances for seven years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Did I mention that she is my high school sweetheart?
3. Chicken Wings
What a scrumptious and versatile food! They can be a little messy, but they’re worth every delicious bite. Some of my favorite flavors are buffalo, parmesan garlic, barbecue, and lemon pepper. They are best enjoyed with fries on the side, of course.
4. Speaking French
Speaking the French language has brought nothing but positivity and joy to my life. After seven years of being a Francophile, I can’t imagine a day without French in it. French fluency has opened door after door for me, and I hope it continues to do so in the future.
5. People Watching
Sitting back and observing others is such a peaceful pastime. People watching requires minimal effort and provides endless opportunities for entertainment! Whether it’s bench sitting at my alma mater, the University of Mary Washington or sipping espresso at a French café, I love to people watch and let my mind wander.
6. Midnight Snacks
There’s something about snacking outside of meal times that can be so enjoyable. You can take the boy out of America, but you can’t take America out of the boy – at least not fully. Some of my favorite snacks are leftovers, cereal, and chocolate treats.
7. Saturdays
Saturday is the ultimate day of the week. My Saturday routine includes fun activities, yummy food, quality time with others, and tranquility.
8. Train Travel
Taking the train, especially in France, is a simple pleasure. You can read a book, get work done, or just enjoy the views of the beautiful French landscape out the window.
9. The Francofile
This platform that Maria and I have built together is really special to me. Not only have we successfully helped others by sharing concrete information about our journey to France, but we also have had a lot of fun with it.
10. My Family
Family is important to me and all of my family members have played a role in shaping me into the person I am today. Shout out to ’em.
11. Studying Languages
For me, learning languages has become a hobby, a passion, a challenge, and a way to more easily navigate the world. Through various means ranging from free apps to college courses, I’ve dabbled in Spanish, Latin, German, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Esperanto, Russian, Arabic, and Italian.
12. Kebab
I discovered kebab, a Middle-Eastern-inspired rotisserie meat dish, during the first ever COVID-19 lockdown in France and nothing has been the same since. It’s definitely one of my favorite fast foods to eat and I’m not sure how I ever lived without it!
13. Reading French Codes
This is a particularly niche love, but there is something amazing about the number of rules that are codified in France. The organization and precision of it all is fascinating to me. I particularly enjoy reading the Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile (CESEDA).
14. Following My Dreams
I love making my dreams into reality and seeing the life that I want for myself take shape thanks to my hard work and planning. Though my life doesn’t necessarily fit into the status quo, I’m excited to be carving out a path that makes me happy.
15. Having a Balcony
Both our first and second French apartments boast spacious balconies. For me, a balcony is definitely one of the most important features of an apartment. They’ve allowed me to spend time outside, get fresh air whenever I need it, and take advantage of views in Troyes and Reims.
16. That Clean Feeling After a Shower
That squeaky clean feeling and the lingering scent of soap…Need I say more?
17. Landing in France
Although I’ve only experienced this twice, once when we came to participate in the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) and once when we arrived to begin our master’s degrees, I can only describe it as sobering, powerful, and exciting. I just love touching down in my dream country after spending some time away from it.
18. Québec, Canada
I have so many memories in Québec. It was the first place outside of the United States that I ever visited, the first francophone destination where I was fully immersed in the French language, and the place where Maria and I got engaged!
19. Music
Music is a powerful thing. It can create or change a mood, teach, inspire, and much more. Some of my favorite genres of music include indie folk, cloud rap, and alternative rock.
20. Sports
I have played and watched sports all my life! From basketball, to football, to soccer, to baseball, to lacrosse, to track and field, I have a serious love for sports.
21. Life in France
I adore living in and learning about this country! From the people, to the architecture, to the food, to the history, I can’t get enough. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences here and I grow to love France more and more each day.
22. Museums
Museums are places of reflection, knowledge, and history. Each time that I visit a museum, I know that I am better for it as I become smarter, more cultured, and more open-minded.
23. Sour Beer
Sour beer isn’t something that I hear too much talk about, but it really is great. My personal favorite sour beer is SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Brewery.
24. Purple
Purple is my favorite color! It represents royalty and ambition, and it is really a beautiful color overall. I especially like deep, jewel-toned purple.
25. Fountain Pens
The first fountain pen I ever received was a birthday gift from Maria, and I’ve been hooked ever since. From having to write at the perfect angle to filling each cartridge with ink by hand, using fountain pens is a lesson in mindfulness.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed learning some fun facts about me. Let me know if you have any questions and tell me about some of your favorite things in a comment!
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