As a cisgender, straight woman, I have been largely unaware about people’s experiences as they discover their gender identites. Reading This Is How It Always Is was incredibly insightful and helpful in my journey to being more knowledgeable and a better ally. I learned that gender should be inclusive, and not exclusive, and that there are so many, many more genders that I originally thought. Before this project, I had no idea that people could identify as multiple genders. These ideas are impactful because now I feel that I have taken a step in the right direction to educate myself in becoming a better person.

I hope that people who read through my project learn that gender is not restricted to just the traditional “male” and “female,” and that gender can be fluid. I also hope that people learn about the privileges of the cisgender. It is a privilege that we are often so unaware about the different struggles that trans and non gender conforming individuals face, and we must continue to educate ourselves in order to support everyone.

My time at NNHS has been full of growth. I have definitely gained confidence and have developed a better understanding of who I am as a person, and what I want to achieve in the future. I have abandoned and gained new hobbies (art, painting, writing), and have gained an amazing group of friends that I can count on. My time at NNHS has taught me that no person is static; everyone is constantly growing and evolving and should push to be better.

To future NNHS seniors, take advantage of every moment. I know it sounds cliche, but time really does move fast in your last year. Especially during the pandemic, you begin to realize how much you took for granted. Cherish moments with your friends and classmates, because soon they won’t always be with you.

Link to my project: https://sites.google.com/stu.naperville203.org/leitextset/this-is-how-it-always-is

It seems that recently, I’ve been nothing but stressed and anxious. With AP tests around the corner (and my severe procrastination), I’ve been finding myself in a bit of a slump. However, I’ve decided today that I’m going to be more positive. Instead of focusing on the parts of my life that are giving me stress, I’m going to be talking about the things that I’m looking forward to 🙂

1.) College!!!

Despite my nervousness about attending college so far away, I am actually looking forward to beginning a new chapter of my life and discovering more about myself. I’ll be fully independent (for the most part), and meeting people from all over the world. California also has great weather, and I’m looking forward to swapping my heavy winter coat for shorts. I’m also moving closer to my aunt’s house and my cousin’s house, which will be amazing.

2.) Summer

This summer could potentially be the best summer ever. We won’t have to worry about high school classes in the fall and study for the SAT. For the most part, we’re completely unburdened and free to do so much more with our time. This is also the first summer where the majority of my friend group has a license, so this opens up a ton of new possibilities for places to go this summer.

3.) Reading More

This one sounds a little boring, but I’m actually so excited to have more time this summer to read more books. I’ve been frequenting Barnes & Noble a ton, which is unproductive because I have no time to read. I have so many books stacked on my nightstand that I’m looking forward to, and it will so satisfying to see the stack dwindle down.

4.) Picking up my Pottery

This is also a really mundane thing I’m looking forward to. My sister’s friend recently invited us to go after-hours to Pottery Bayou, and I created this tray that I want to put my jewelry in. My sister just got a message that our creations have been kilned and glazed, and I can’t wait to receive it.

5.) Graduating!

It seems that we’ve lost so much of our senior year, but we still have our graduation. I’m really looking forward to graduating with my friends and officially marking the end of our high school journey.

Ranking La Croix Flavors

My La Croix addiction is slowly getting out of hand. Right now, my desk is littered with dozens of crumpled cans. I’ve discovered that La Croix is a pretty polarizing drink– you either hate it or you love it. Some think that it tastes like watered-down battery acid, while others (myself included) think that La Croix tastes like the essence of gods. I love the intense fizzling of a freshly opened can, the crisp sound it makes when the tab is popped, and the refreshing feel of guzzling one down. 

Coming in first place is the Lime La Croix. It tastes like a milder, less sickly-sweet Sprite or 7Up. It’s a non-offensive flavor that is perfect for any occasion. I cycle through different flavors of La Croix, and my current favorite is the lime. The can is also pretty aesthetically pleasing, looking exactly like it tastes. 

Second place is tangerine. This flavor is absolutely perfect and is arguably the most refreshing out of all of them. The tangerine flavor is definitely stronger than most, which is great if you are not a huge fan of sparkling water or want more flavor in your drink. I personally enjoy the flavors that taste like how the fruit naturally would, and the tangerine is pretty spot on. However, this flavor is in second place because it’s not quite as versatile and mild as the lime, but just as good.

Third place is passionfruit. The can is pretty fun to look at and has pretty colors, which adds to the drinking experience. I’ve only tried the real passion fruit once and wasn’t a huge fan. Thankfully, this flavor doesn’t taste like the real fruit (which is the one exception to my preference for natural-tasting flavors). I can’t describe the exact flavor, but it’s truly addicting. It’s a bright and tangy flavor that is slightly less fizzy than the lime and tangerine. I do prefer a lot of bubbles in my sparkling water though, which is why this one is ranked slightly lower.

 

Peach-Pear is surprisingly in fourth place. This flavor is sweeter than the other ones, but not in an overly saccharine or overwhelming way. When the mood strikes, this is a great flavor. Peach-Pear is not a conventional flavor, but it works in a weird way. 

 

Grapefruit is another great flavor. It amplifies the natural sweetness and bitterness of grapefruit and makes it taste so much better in liquid form. Grapefruit is a really subtle and refreshing flavor, which makes it perfect for any mood or setting. If presented with an array of flavors, it probably wouldn’t be my first choice, but it is a good choice if you do choose it!

These are my rankings of the 5 most popular La Croix flavors. All in all, there are hardly any flavors of La Croix that truly suck (except for Berry :(). 

Recently, I’ve seemingly exhausted every show on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO combined. As a result, I’ve turned to Youtube to satiate my boredom. I’ve stumbled upon a few videos, all titled something like ” [this month]’s favorites.” In the videos, YouTubers give their recommendations and their favorite things for the month. Since I can’t think of anything else to write about, I thought that I’d do a similar take in the form of a blog. Here are a few things that I’ve loved, and I think that you’ll love this month.

The first thing that I want to talk about this month is this fuzzy nightgown. Getting this has been life-changing. It’s like permanently being wrapped around a magnificent, comfy blanket. On days where I don’t feel like leaving my bed, I just pull this on and it feels like I’ve never left. It does look kind of ridiculous and my family has teased me for it, but it is soo worth it. It also has deep pockets, which is perfect for carrying snacks and your phone around. I’m planning on living in this thing until it starts getting too warm for it.

When wearing that incredibly comfy nightgown, I always get struck with the inspiration to read. My recommendations this month are The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. The Song of Achilles is the perfect read for Percy Jackson fans that have gotten older. Reading TSOA feels like I’ve been transported back into the fantastic and incredibly moving world of Greek mythology. The book centers around the tragic love story between Patroclus and Achilles. I say with almost 100% certainty that you’ll be crying at the end of the book. But the tears will be so worth it, and you might even read it again because of how beautifully it was written. Norwegian Wood is almost difficult to describe. Murakami is a brilliant author, and it really shows in this story. It’s a captivating coming-of-age book that covers topics such as love, mental health, and sexuality.

Another favorite this month is the candle “Agua De Jardin” by Boy Smells. I’m pretty particular about candle scents, but this candle is the perfect balance between suffocating and barely smelling like anything at all. I rarely reach the bottom of a candle, but I’ve already used up the entirety of this one. It smells really subtly of wood and ocean. The label on the candle says that it has coconut notes but I mostly just pick up the really breezy, but not overwhelming scent of nature. My mom always complains about getting headaches from the scents of candles, but this one is also one of her favorites 🙂

I’ve been sticking with the same chapstick for a while now, but the Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan lip balm tops all other chapsticks I’ve used in the past. It comes in a small jar, which is only mildly inconvenient compared to most tube-shaped lip balms. The scent smells faintly of roses, but it disappears pretty fast (which I prefer). Immediately upon putting it on your lips, you’ll notice how soft your lips feel. Sometimes chapsticks do the annoying thing where they’ll provide momentary relief and moisture but then leave your lips even more cracked and dry than they originally were. This lip balm actually moisturizes your lips. There’s a noticeable difference before and after, and it sinks in super fast as well.

These are just a few of my favorites this March! I hope you enjoyed hearing about some of my newest discoveries, and that maybe you’ll try them as well.

“Edge” by Sylvia Plath

1 The woman is perfected.   

2 Her Dead

 

3 Body wears the smile of accomplishment,   

4 The illusion of a Greek necessity

 

5 Flows in the scrolls of her toga,   

6 Her bare

 

7 Feet seem to be saying:

8 We have come so far, it is over.

 

9 Each dead child coiled, a white serpent,   

10 One at each little

 

11 Pitcher of milk, now empty.   

12 She has folded

 

13 Them back into her body as petals   

14 Of a rose close when the garden

 

15 Stiffens and odors bleed

16 From the sweet, deep throats of the night flower.

 

17 The moon has nothing to be sad about,   

18 Staring from her hood of bone.

 

19 She is used to this sort of thing.

20 Her blacks crackle and drag.

Feminism was born at the cusp of the nineteenth century from prominent figures such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and has evolved since then. However, no matter how many strides women have made towards equality, countless trials still remain. In her final poem “Edge”, written merely six days before she tragically took her own life, Plath exposes her inner turmoils of femininity and motherhood, suggesting that death is the only salvation from the struggles of womanhood. Through the use of poetic devices, metaphors, and imagery, Plath is able to construct a powerful message about women in society.  

Plath’s first two stanzas lay the foundation for the poem, showing how women finally meet society’s expectations, but only in death. The first line of Plath’s poem is the most shocking, where she describes a dead woman. The most unusual part of the stanza is not the dead woman, but how Plath describes her as “perfected. Her dead/” (Plath 1-2). Plath views death as a “perfect” state. In death, the woman is calm and pliant, like society expects. The order of the lines is also significant. The appearance of the woman is prioritized before the knowledge of her death, hinting towards the objectification of women. Furthermore, Plath utilizes enjambment, which forces the reader to cut off before a natural stopping point, creating an uncomfortable feeling while reading. This contributes to the title of the poem, “Edge,” as readers are on edge while reading. Plath’s own mental state seems to be reflected in the subject matter, as she herself is on the edge between life and death. Through these two lines, Plath is making a statement about how she views women. It is only when a woman is no longer living that she can be “perfected.” The very nature of womanhood makes it impossible to be “perfect” in society’s eyes. The second stanza reinforces Plath’s beliefs. The “Body wears the smile of accomplishment,” (Plath 3) shows how Plath is detached from the woman in this poem. She does not refer to her by a name, instead choosing to call her “Body.” This makes the subject of the poem broader, as she is not referring to only one woman or herself, but women in general. The Body finally feels accomplished and satisfied but at the cost of her life. Plath is referring to the unrealistic and incredulous expectations of women, and how those standards cannot be met by the existing.

The next two stanzas expand upon the ancient Greek allusion and reflect upon the history of femininity, showing how women’s struggles have persisted throughout centuries. The line, “Flows in the scrolls of her toga,” (Plath 5) references ancient Greece, perhaps making a statement about the antiquated yet continuous oppression of women. Moreover, the last line of the third stanza ends with the word “bare.” The use of enjambment emphasizes the word, showing that there is vulnerability. The women’s feet are worn and naked, showing that she no longer has anything to hide. The final line of the stanza “We have come so far, it is over.” (Plath 8) demonstrates that she has endured all the hardships of being a woman, and is finally able to rest. The use of the occasional period for punctuation only underscores the finality of the line. The woman has completed her journey, and is finally, at death, able to be free.

Lines 9-12 sheds light on another aspect of being a woman: motherhood. Many view motherhood as the ultimate gift and joy of life, but others like Plath see something different entirely. She has killed her children alongside herself, “coiled, a white serpent,” (Plath 9), and has “folded” them back into herself. The “pitcher of milk, now empty” described in line 11 is a reference to her breasts. The color white is a prominent theme throughout these two stanzas. White is often seen as pure, paralleling the innocence of the youth. However, in this poem, the whiteness of the serpents and milk represent emptiness. Death is usually connoted through the color black, but white conveys the “perfection” of death that Plath desires. White represents a coldness that is often not associated with motherhood. Many can interpret the woman’s actions as a desperate attempt to save her children from the cruel fate of being a woman in her society.

The next two stanzas delve further into the discussion of motherhood and explore a rose metaphor, illustrating that although motherhood and femininity are often glamorized, the realities are quite painful. In death, her children are a part of her as “petals.” Many associate roses with love and beauty, but roses also are known for their thorns. Plath seems to take on this second connotation through her unique word choice, utilizing phrases such as “stiffens and odors bleed” and “night flower,” (Plath 15). She makes no attempt to romanticize the meaning of her poem. The roses can also be a reference to menstruation, a realistic but taboo topic. Plath does not shy away from the mundane yet universal struggles of women. The image of roses is beautiful, but life is also painful. The woman in the poem seeks to escape and only finds solace in death.

The final two stanzas approach the subject of womanhood from a larger lens, demonstrating that the struggles of the woman in the poem are universal. The moon is the overarching symbol of the stanzas. Line 17 states that “the moon has nothing to be sad about.” In this poem, the moon is an objective, detached observer. The moon is referenced by female pronouns, such as “her” and “she.” In literature and many cultures, the moon has been a symbol for women. Similarly, The moon is “used to this sort of thing,” (Plath 19) shows that what the woman has endured in her life is shared by countless other women. The cyclical oppression of women throughout history can be compared to the moon’s cycle. In this final stanza, it is clear that the poem takes on a more hopeless and dreary tone. This piece is not arguing for change; the woman is accepting her reality as truth. 

In her poem “Edge,” Plath honestly discusses the trials of womanhood, including motherhood and menstruation. Through the use of poetic devices such as enjambment, metaphors, and imagery, Plath expresses her view that death may be the only salvation from the struggles of womanhood.

Rating Squishmallows

Tik Tok has unfortunately only deepened my shopping addiction. Most recently, Tik Tok has introduced me to Squishmallows. They seemed like harmless, squishy (like the name suggests) stuffed animals. Little did I know how much other people were obsessed with them as well. Soon my feed was filled with these adorable squishy monsters and I had no choice but to succumb. I bought a huge 16″ panda Wquishmallow (the only one in stock at the store) and another owl one. Since then, there’s been no turning back. It’s only a little embarrassing going to the children’s aisle at age 18 and buying a Squishmallow. But there’s nothing like the softness and squishiness of a Squishmallow. Today, I’m going to rank them.

#1) Wendy the Frog

This was the original Squishmallow that made me want to buy them. It’s my favorite color (green) and absolutely adorable. Unfortunately, they’re completely out of stock and currently on sale on Poshmark for over 1,000 dollars. As much as I love this frog, I have just enough sense to know that a stuffed animal probably shouldn’t cost that much.

#2.) Connor the Cow

There’s no way anyone could not love Connor. The horns and nose are so cute, and I know that they’re unbelievably squishy. Cows have never been my favorite animal, but they’re definitely my top squishmallows. Something about the egg-shape of the stuffed animal and the cute black spots. Unfortunately, Connor the Cow is also sold out 🙁 Though to be honest, most Squishmallows are sold out. The only ones left in store are the Frozen-themed ones which I personally don’t love. Connor also comes in pink and brown.

#3.) Stanley the Panda

I may be a little biased with this one because it’s the one I have. But there’s no denying that Stanely is adorable. Stanely is also a very fitting name for him. He makes for a great pillow or a stand for my laptop, or for holding my chip bags upright when I’m snacking during Netflix binges 🙂

#4.) Winston the Owl

I am also guilty of favoritism for this rating. Winston is stacked next to Stanley on my bed. I adore how uneven and squishy Winston is and the unassuming look on his face. His ears are a little uncomfy as a pillow, which is why he’s lower than Stanley. Having a Squishmallow this big is amazing. It’s almost like receiving a giant hug.

Squishmallows have taken the Tik Tok world by storm, and for good reason. They’re the perfect, squishy companion for watching TV with, studying or reading. Maybe the pandemic has made me extra susceptible to marketing schemes, but I think that Squishmallows have been my best purchase over quarantine. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. They’re pretty much sold out everywhere, but they are carried through Target, Amazon, Walmart, and Walgreens.

 

 

 

Ranking the Plants in My Room

I have never been the one to have a green thumb, in fact, throughout my life I have been known to kill any plant I touch. However, I can’t resist the brightness and natural element that they give to my room. Not to mention, the air is super crisp. All the plants that I have are pretty much impossible to kill, so I would definitely recommend these to a beginner.

1.) Spider Plant– This plant is almost impossible to kill. It withstands any degree of light, mostly any temperature, and very sparse and frequent waterings. This was the first plant I’ve ever had, and it’s been thriving since I got it nearly 5 years ago. This plant has been through way too much. I forgot about it and the plant turned completely white. However, after some very consistent watering and care, it grew once more. This plant is completely forgiving and won’t let you down.

2.) Jade Plant– I picked up this plant at IKEA, thinking that it was just a decor piece. The leaves felt like plastic and it was stacked on an aisle with other decor items. Looking back now, I realize that someone had probably just misplaced it. When I brought the plant home I placed it under my desk with barely any light for a few months with no watering. Honestly, I have no idea how it survived. One day my sister was getting something from my room and had realized that I had a living plant under my desk. I quickly relocated it near my other plants and finally gave it some water. Given that I hadn’t even realized the plant was real given its pristine condition, I would definitely recommend this plant to anyone. It’s grown pretty quickly since I have gotten it. The key to keeping it alive is very, very infrequent watering.

3.) Nerve Plant– I would be completely lost without this plant. I have been told that this plant is very finicky and has a tendency to be dramatic. Going into Lowe’s, I had no idea about the behavior of this plant and was simply drawn to its unique leaves. Every time this plant needs water, the leaves wilt and it looks almost dead. This plant signals and tells me exactly what it needs. Every week, when I notice the plant seems a little less perky, I know it’s time to water this plant and every other plant I have. The nerve plant also grows super fast, so be ready to repot it. Here’s a picture of what it looks like normally vs when it needs watering.

4.) Pothos– This is my favorite plant to look at, and it’s also my newest. It’s grown nearly 6 inches since I got it at the beginning of quarantine. This plant likes to trail downwards, which is exactly why I love it so much. I personally keep this plant on top of my bookshelf.  It’s also super easy to grow fast and without too frequent waterings. Unproblematic and pretty.

5.) Polka Dot Begonia— This plant looks super intimidating, but it is actually fairly easy to take care of. I water it consistently with my other plants but pay attention to water it less than I would for the nerve, spider, or pothos plant. I got this plant shortly before I got the pothos plant, and it too has grown tremendously. There are tons of new sprouts and “baby” plants that have emerged. The red underside and polka dots of the leaves really differentiate themselves from the other plants in my room.

6.) Aloe Vera– This rating may be a little biased because of an accident that happened with this plant. When I was repotting this plant, I accidentally dropped it down the stairs and half of the stems broke off. It was really quite tragic and much of the growth was gone. Now, this plant is really flimsy and small despite it being a few years since that fateful day. I water it and that’s pretty much it.

(note: my plant does not look this good)

 

What I’ve Tried Over Quarantine

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been in quarantine for almost a year. With college applications piling up this month, it can be helpful to take a break and reset to not burn out. I’ve tried a bunch of new things recently in order to beat the boredom. 

The first thing I tried was watching a ton of trashy reality tv. I have a weird taste in reality tv shows. For example, I hate the Bachelor and Love Island no matter how hard I tried to get into it. For some reason, Chopped and Survivor speak to me. The shows have high stakes and tons of drama. It’s nice to watch something to take your mind off and completely immerse yourself within an island in Fiji or an executive chef’s kitchen. I try not to get too attached to one contestant, but I usually end up cheering for one person. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the person you are rooting for to win. 

Binging seasons of Chopped led me to learn how to cook. I’m not a great chef and am limited to a handful of tried and true recipes: microwave ramen, scrambled eggs, and pasta. However, when I saw Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta recipe on tik tok, I was inspired to attempt it. Whisking a pan of heavy whipping cream, tomato paste, and onions together, I found myself in a peaceful rhythm. I folded in grated parmesan cheese and then my al dente rigatoni with a splash of (completely legal) vodka. I garnished my dish with freshly chopped basil and then found myself with a recipe that I hadn’t completely butchered. It was the perfect consistency and blend of flavors, and I know I’m not completely biased when my younger sister helped herself to seconds. She’s the pickiest person I know, so with her approval, I can confidently say that cooking can be rewarding and worth the time. Not only was I learning something new, but I was also making my family happy with my food. 

Unfortunately, I have fallen victim to retail therapy. I would not recommend online clothing shopping to anyone reading this, however, as I have spent way too much money from working on clothes I’ll never have the chance to wear. Coupled with boredom and nowhere to go, I have found myself dreaming of outfits I could wear outside the house. With Pinterest and tik tok always pulled up on my phone, I can’t resist the urge to own the next cute piece I see. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the package delivered to the front steps after a week of waiting and then doing a try-on haul.

One of the most random things I’ve found myself doing during this month was trying screenwriting. I used to always write stories in my free time, but I often gravitated towards short stories. I always had a scene in mind that played out like a movie, but was frustrated with trying to format it in a way that worked. Over the weekend, I stumbled upon a script for an upcoming movie and found a writing style that finally worked for me. The scenes were detailed yet concise. In so little words, the writer could dictate the direction of the image playing in the reader’s mind. My interest was immediately captured and I spent days learning how to format and write a script. Once I finish these last few stubborn college applications, I’m going to spend the rest of my time finally ironing out the script that I’ve always to make. Screenwriting may not be for everyone, but it can be helpful to find a creative outlet for your ideas. In school, we’re often encouraged to take a direct and methodical approach to our education without much room for creative thinking. Discovering screenwriting helped me not only to have a place to cultivate my ideas but a place to turn to where I could take risks and discover myself. 

I’ve tried a few things these past few months and have become a more educated person. I learned which reality tv shows have the best plot twists, which recipes require minimal effort with maximum returns, and a style of writing that fitted my personality. Quarantine doesn’t have to be boring if we’re constantly trying new things. With access to so much technology and social media, there are always new opportunities.

Rating the Fast Food in Naperville

Between watching The Bachelor, keeping up with the Twitter feuds, or belting out One Direction, we all have our guilty pleasures. I may or may not partake in all three, but my favorite guilty pleasure is french fries. My love for fries has taken me far and beyond, so much so that I have basically tried every fast food restaurant in Naperville. Today I’m going to rate all of them, starting with McDonald’s.

McDonald’s

When I hear “fast food,” the first thing I think of is the bright yellow arches of McDonald’s. From Happy Meals to vanilla ice cream (when the machine isn’t broken), I’ve tried a pretty large selection of the menu. There hasn’t been anything that I have strongly disliked, but also nothing that grabs my attention. However, when I’m hungry on a long drive, I know that McDonald’s will never do me wrong. I recommend the fries, spicy or plain nuggets, and the Oreo McFlurry 7/10

 

Arby’s

In complete transparency, I’ve only had one thing off the menu at Arby’s. You guessed it, the fries. Specifically, the curly fries. They are the best curly fries that America has to offer, and I don’t say this lightly. Super crispy and the perfect ratio of curl to seasoning. Nothing is more satisfying to pull out a super long curly fry from the box. There’s only one drawback. These are only half as good cold, so make sure you eat these as soon as you get them. Considering that I’ve only had one item off the menu, but also how amazing the curly fries are, I’m going to rate Arbys a 5/10. 

Burger King

Very mediocre. I’ve eaten here a few times but I cannot remember vividly anything off the menu that I’ve tried. The vibes inside and outside of the restaurant also contribute to this. 2/10.

Portillo’s Hot Dog

A Chicago classic. From the Double Chocolate Cake Shake to the hotdogs, I can safely say that Portillos is good. The fries also have a unique flavor that I can’t find anywhere else. While it’s delicious, the neon green relish kind of throws me off. Also one of my friends found a curly tail at the end of her hotdog. I’m going to give Portillos an uncommitted 6/10 until I fact-check her story.

Popeyes

Popeyes is forever better than KFC. Their fried chicken and sandwiches are so good that the chicken sandwich caused national hysteria. Someone in Maryland even stabbed a man over the sandwich. Outside of chicken, the fries are pretty good but they are a little bit soggy. Mashed potatoes are solid. 9.5/10

Five Guys

I have a confession: I don’t like the french fries with peanut oil. It leaves a weird aftertaste that I can’t quite shake. The fries are also overly greasy and not crispy enough, but the burgers are fantastic. I really like the ambiance of the Five Guys for some reason and I’ve had some pretty great memories sitting inside the restaurant. For nostalgia’s sake, I’m going to give it a 5/10.

Although there are a ton more fast food places for me to rate, I believe that this is a solid list of the major chains in Naperville. My rating is most definitely flawed and a little biased, but I can’t wait to try more restaurants. If you do take one thing away from this blog, I hope that you guys try Arby’s curly fries, you won’t regret it.

When I got my car, passed down from my older sister, full of dents, scratches, and a persisting “check tire pressure” message, I couldn’t have been more satisfied. Sure, the car always had an unexplainable lingering aroma of crayons, but to me, the car was perfect. It was perfect because it lacked one central feature–an aux cord. My friends urged me to get an FM transmitter, but I refused. Instead of undergoing the agonizing pain of trying to select a song, I could rely on the preset songs of a CD. 

A CD eliminated all my indecision. All I had to do was press play. My car only has three CDs: a Drake album my younger sister bought, 1984 by Taylor Swift from my older sister, and Fine Line by Harry Styles. The CDs my sisters bought sit abandoned in the backseat of my car, but Fine Line holds a special place in the front compartment. When the radio is playing the same Ed Sheeran song from three years ago or is spewing endless commercials, I turn to Harry Styles. 

I love the CD version of Fine Line because it encapsulates all the moods I could ever need. The first four tracks are uplifting, the middle more melancholy, and the end more thoughtful. In one CD, Harry Styles packed in all the selection I could ever need. In my friend’s cars, we all hurry to put our songs on the AUX. We sit through other’s selections just to look forward to our own. One song never quite encapsulates the moment when we’re always wondering what song will be next. In my car, we all listen to the same twelve songs on repeat but none of us complain. Every Friday, we cram seven of us into the backseat with smoothies in hand and talk over the soft melody of the album. During finals week, we panicked to Falling. On the last day of summer break, we belted Golden. Late-night drives always call for She and Sunflower Vol. 6 is in the background as we scramble to school after going through the Starbucks drive-thru we definitely didn’t have time for. 

Having a CD helps me live in the moment. I spend the majority of my life stressing about what I want to do for the rest of my life, whether one decision will spiral into dozens of other consequences. We’re always wanting more–more time, more money, more choices. But sometimes these choices hold us back. Thanks to Harry Styles and my outdated car, I have everything I could’ve ever wanted.