Hello, hello, hello. It feels like it has been some time since I’ve sat still to write a blog post. I actually panicked internally when I realized just how fast June was passing by!

Despite only being halfway through, I think we can all agree that 2020 is an impactful year. It’s extremely difficult to summarize all the past and current 2020 events, but generally, all have seen disruptful changes that has forced people to re-examine the status quo.

*In America:

• the COVID-19 pandemic is revealing the workings of government leadership;
• health care and health insurances are legally able to discriminate against LGBTQ people
• the anti-racist movement is in high gear;
• people are fighting to reallocate police funding to social services instead;
• and media biases are proving how businesses and money have the most influence in a capitalist system.

*I also recognize that there are pressing international issues such as in Yemen, Poland, Hong Kong, and Palestine.

In my personal life, 2020 has presented endless obstacles on top of the usual ones expected post-grad. After obtaining my B.A in December, I moved back home with my parents and tried to find my first big-girl job in the real world while trying to form some coherent life plans. The job search proved much more difficult than anticipated.

Things I wish I knew before graduating:

• Beware of job scams, especially ones sent through email;
• Be wary of sales jobs in the guise of a “marketing” job;
• Be ready to commute upwards 30 miles;
• An interview is not an interrogation but a two-way street;
• Research pay rates for the industry to make sure you’re not under-paid;
• Be ready to take in-person tests as part of the interview process;
• Your university curriculum will not cover the practical knowledge desirable to employers so you’re responsible for your own learning afterwards. Invest in resources like LinkedIn learning, Google Academy, SkillShare, etc. and get certified if applicable!

Just when I thought I secured my first decent job, COVID-19 hit and my offer was rescinded on my supposed “first day of work.” It was a tough time-period and I wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone. I allowed myself to mope for a bit before gradually picking myself up but life would never be the same. Reality was hitting everyone hard.

Truthfully, I never thought that I would bring social and political issues onto my Instagram and blog since my initial vision was to foster a place of inspiration, positivity, and perhaps even of rest from the anxieties of the real world. Social and political issues hardly sparks happiness; however, 2020 has made rethink and call into question the use of my knowledge if I don’t do anything with it.

It’s been months now and while at home, I’ve been thinking more about my university discourses. I was a Communication Major and minored in Ethnic Studies briefly, so the current BLM movement exposing systemic oppression hit a lot of the topics I spent countless hours mulling over during undergrad.

With the knowledge that I already had, the movement’s voices became impossible to ignore and because I know very well of the importance of media’s application, I was convinced that not using my social platforms would be a moral crime. And thus…the “not so fun” COVID and BLM topics have made it into this recipe blog as well and I won’t apologize for it.

Some ways to aleviate some negativity in the world:

• Wear a mask! COVID disproportionately affects Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color (collectively abbreviated as BIPOC).
• Support black businesses. Supporting local black businesses is even better. How you choose to spend your money matters because money is power and the act of ‘buying’ means approval. That said, give power to those that need it and have been slept on essentially forever.
• Sign petitions! Call and email your government representatives if you can. Also, make sure you’re registered to vote if you’re able. BTW, a third of the states allow those who are 17 but will be 18 by the general election to vote in primaries.
• Donate if you’re able. Consider donating to smaller organizations like MPJI or The Loveland Foundation.
• Download an app called “Free Rice” to help feed countries in need (i.e. Yemen). You can donate as well, but I think “Free Rice” is a more sustainable action.
• Make baby steps towards sustainability. Systemic racism and environmental justice go hand in hand. BIPOC communities take the brunt of environmental hazards. A more detailed explanation here.
• Normalize changing opinions.

Anyways, during quarantine, I, alongside many of my foodie peers, have been baking a lot. Especially bread. But while it seemed that most people were caught up on making Sourdough bread, I was making Milk Bread by Kirby’s Cravings, who was inspired by Christine’s Recipes!