Our Favorite Things from 2019

Year in ReviewPersonal
Written By Joel

It’s that time of year again! Jenn and I have spent time independently looking back at the year that was and talking about some of our favorite things from 2018. From TV shows to vacation stops, to memories, we’ve written down our favorites from 2018, and here they are!

Favorite TV Show

Jenn - Succession

I first noticed this show as an ad when Joel and I were watching Game of Thrones. I was intrigued from the start. Since then, this show has exceeded my expectations tenfold. I watch it for the amazing storytelling and acting – but I also watch it for the real estate envy, and well, life envy (to an extent). I’m not ashamed to admit that I would love to be that successful, and have a family dynasty. I would love to own their clothes and homes and fly private. But I would also (obviously) forego the backstabbing, depression and substance abuse. I know money doesn’t buy happiness (clearly, watch the show…) but man they have nice stuff! I’m like cousin Greg, still completely enamored.

Honorable mentions include Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Fleabag. Two amazing shows – with incredible actors, specifically starring women (which I’m so proud of). I also want to callout After Life by Ricky Gervais. Having gone through a somewhat similar loss, I could feel every emotion personified in that show, and it was in a way, healing for me. 

While the following shows are lower on my list because we live in the era of golden television (versus movies), I would also like to give shout outs to the first two episodes of Modern Love (so powerful), Ramy (so inspirational), Chernobyl (so educational and eye-opening), Imagineering (so, well, imaginative), and Stranger Things (just plain fun).

Joel - Succession

I adored the first season but the second season of HBO’s Succession was pure gold. The show really came into its own and had one of the most surprising yet plausible finales I’ve seen in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that the show is shot in part in Tribeca where I work, but it’s such a strong character-driven show that left Jenn and I excited week after week to see what happened to the Roy family next. I can’t wait to see where season three goes, but for now, the second was the best thing I watched in 2019.

Favorite Political Satire

Jenn - Patriot Act

I think I said this last year, but I love Hasan. He speaks my language. His mix of media and commentary is how I best absorb content and he does both beautifully. I also love his approach and realism to what’s going on in the world. It’s how I view a lot of things, but unlike me, he has the talent of making it comical.

I also want to mention my “go to’s” for news – Stephen Colbert. I found him in college, and have been a dedicated follower ever since. I adore his opening monologue’s. He embodies my humor. Same with Seth Meyer’s – A Closer Look. It’s those kinds of clips, and their incredible talent that got me interested in political satire in the first place.

Joel - Last Week Tonight

It’s getting closer but if you put Patriot Act and Last Week Tonight next to each other I’d still go with John Oliver and Last Week Tonight. Week after week I learn something, I laugh hysterically, and I usually end up applauding at the end of each episode with some crazy gag or exaggerated point. Case in point his brilliant satirical musical where he roasts the coal magnate, Bob Murray in beautiful fashion.

Favorite Movie

Jenn - Little Women

I watched this movie on Christmas with my family. Simply put, I loved it. I wish I had this movie when I was growing up. (Luckily, I had a strong and beautiful feminist mother who constantly believed in me and told me I could be whatever I put my mind to). But for those who didn’t, this was a perfect movie for young woman to show them that its ok for them to pursue dreams that extend well beyond the labels of “mother” “wife” and “homemaker.” It spoke to women like myself who long for so much more from life – and it was casted by a powerful group of female actors. Can you say Meryl Streep, Laura Dern and Emma Watson?

I also want to mention another movie – Marriage Story. If you have ever been in love, truly in love, then you will understand the beautiful love story in this couple’s divorce – beautifully played by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. I came out of that movie with such red, puffy eyes from all my crying.  It’s an important reminder that a great marriage takes a lot of work, and that a deep love can be very painful and doesn’t always have that fairy tale ending.

Joel - Marriage Story

There have been some truly amazing movies in 2019. A close second for me this year was the epic conclusion of the Marvel saga, Avengers: End Game. But for me the movie that moved me, that stuck with me and is one I’ll never forget is Marriage Story. We saw the movie at the beautiful and recently reopened Paris Theater here in New York and it was a full crowd and there were tears flowing, laughs bellowed, and cheers as the movie ended. It’s a movie and an experience I’ll never forget.

Favorite Live Performance

Jenn - Sea Wall / A Life

I’m noticing a trend as I select and write each of these – that this year, I really appreciated things about love and life. This performance was no exception. It was heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. It reflected on the beauty and pain one feels in life in such a unique but powerful way. It brought me to tears, and quotes from the show are still with me. One of my favorites was something to the effect that when you truly love life and the ones you’re with, the mundane tasks of every day, they are what you cherish most in the world. I have never heard anyone say that, but that’s exactly how I feel. While I love our grandiose travels, dining experiences and lifestyle, I could be in a cardboard box with Joel and Frasier and be just as happy…if not more so.

Joel - My Fair Lady

We saw some amazing shows this year. Living in New York has been an absolute joy when it comes to going to the theater. The options are endless and we’ve taken full advantage of seeing over a dozen shows in 2019. When trying to narrow down my favorite show of the year it came down to four: To Kill a Mockingbird, My Fair Lady, What the Constitution Means to Me, and Sea Wall / A Life. But at the end of the day, the show that I think about more than any of the other is My Fair Lady which was at Lincoln Center. It was such a brilliant cast and set and have never seen the show before it came off as fresh and beautiful. If I could I would go see it again tomorrow.

Favorite Song or Artist

Jenn - Starlight by Jai Wolf

As always, I will let the lyrics speak for me. But essentially, I chose this song because it encompasses how I felt this year. That I was in a magical moment, staring up at a starlight sky, knowing that the time was fleeting and that hopefully I would wake up, and my dream would be my reality.

“Starlight raining over me Like drifting through a memory Wake up in your crystal sky We’ll float until we fly”

Joel - N/A

I tried really hard this year to think of a song/artist that I just loved that would be different than years past and I just did not have one. I realized that because I don’t’ drive anymore the amount of music I listen to is relegated to cooking dinner and the rare opportunity I have of driving in California.

Favorite Game (Video or Board)

Jenn - Mysterium

Holly and Max introduced this game to Joel and I when we visited in December. It’s so much fun, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is hosting a board game night. It’s the perfect combination between Clue and Code Names. I wish I was playing it right now!

This second one is more of a shout out to my Dad. I introduced the game Psych to him and Joan when we visited at Christmas – and to see his laugh and watch him come up with such good descriptions warmed my heart. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever. He has always been a great storyteller (I would beg him to tell me stories when I was kid, and especially loved those of him when he was a child). To see that come to life in this game was really memorable.

Joel - NBA 2K20

2019 has not been a great year for video games. In fact for my favorite games of the year its almost all sports game. The game though that continues to be my favorite is NBA 2K20. It’s a brilliantly designed and developed game that has excellent gameplay and some of the best visuals on the planet. I adore this game.

Favorite Book

Jenn - Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Bring a tissue box with you for this book. A great female colleague of mine recommended this to me, and I’m so glad she did. Tuesdays with Morrie is like chicken soup for your soul. I could see myself reading this every year. It’s a wonderful reminder about how you should live your life and what’s really important. Highly recommend.

Also, for my fellow #girlboss’ I also recommend WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams by Jaclyn Johnson. Great read with simple reminders of how to take control of your career. 

Joel - The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Twelve of the thirty-five books I read in 2019 I gave a five star. That’s far more than I’ve ever dolled out before. It’s easily one if not the best year of reading I’ve had. Of the twelve I read I can narrow my favorites of those down to three, The Goldfinch, The Testaments, and Kindred. But of those my absolute favorite and book I still think about constantly is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I actually only read this book because I kept seeing advertisements for the movie and although that bombed, the book is a genuinely gorgeous tale and one that I will cherish for a long time.

Favorite Meal

Jenn - Burnt Ends

I think this will be the same as Joel’s, but the combination of food, atmosphere and staff made this such a fun and perfect experience for me. The food was the best I think I have had in recent memory – the atmosphere was so cool, Joel scored us seats right in front of where the Chef’s made our food and it was such fun to watch them cook it – and the staff, who interacted with us throughout, was both professional, but delightfully fun and comical. It’s what I want out of an elevated experience – a relaxed and fun environment, with an understated class.

I also would be remiss not to mention our time at Eleven Madison Park. This was special for a completely different reason. First, because it felt like Joel and I had “made it” in life. It’s the first time (I believe) we have dropped four figures on food, and it was beyond worth it. Second, Joel also made it so special (as he always does) as part of our ten-year anniversary by surprising me with a love note at the table when we arrived and a private tour of the kitchen when we finished the meal. Did I mention I’m madly in love with him and feel so incredibly lucky to have him as my husband? If not, I literally should just write that for this entire post. I couldn’t do live without him, that’s for sure. 

Joel - Burnt Ends

When we booked our trip this year, we included Singapore as a late addition almost exclusively because of its incredible food scene. When we went I was actually more excited to go to Odette then Burnt Ends. It’s considered one of the best restaurants in the world and was an unbelievable meal. But after sitting down at the counter at Burnt Ends and being told that the chef would handle our ordering Jenn, Jake and I were in for three hours of pure bliss. It was easily some of the best food we’ve all ever had, and I would seriously consider hopping on a flight just to enjoy another meal there.

Favorite Purchase

Jenn - Frasier

I actually hate writing his name here. He means way more to me than just a purchase (see favorite memory below). He is like my child, a son to both Joel and I. But unfortunately, I can’t just “have” a dog, I need to buy one, so of anything I “bought” this year – he, without question, is my favorite. 

Joel - Frasier

It feels a little weird to put our dog as my favorite purchase but he was expensive and has been a perfect addition to our family. I’ve written at length my trepidations with getting a puppy again, but Frasier has been the most beautiful thing we’ve ever purchased. Without rehashing what I have said previously I will say the joy he has brought to me personally overwhelms me, and I can’t imagine him not being part of our family.

Favorite Vacation Stop

Jenn - Abu Dhabi

I think in my trip recap earlier this year I selected Singapore, but now that I have hindsight and can really reflect on the trip months later, I actually think Abu Dhabi was my favorite stop, and here’s why. First of all, I will never forget for as long as I live listening to the prayer at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset. It was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Second, the stop was also filled with pleasant surprises like the Presidential Palace which was jaw dropping, and something I hadn’t anticipated. The food was amazing, the scenery stunning – and the hotel was best in class. While there we also got to enjoy to the spa and relax, so it also included things I enjoyed outside of exploring. 

Joel - Singapore

It is rare that we visit a vacation stop where I say, I could easily live here. Singapore was that sort of destination. It’s a beautiful city, very modern, clean, and had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. I loved absolutely every second of being in Singapore and hope that we make our way back there sooner rather then later.

Favorite Hotel

Jenn - St. Regis Abu Dhabi

This was an easy pick this year. I think I’m also biased. Thanks to my amazing parents, Joel and I were married at a St. Regis, so those hotels hold special places in my heart. I chose the St. Regis because they exemplify class, elegance – and well, wealth. They provide nothing but the best service and their amenities, rooms and everything in between is nothing but perfection. Staying at their hotel in Abu Dhabi didn’t disappoint. In fact, thanks to our butler, we found out that they are well known for champagne sabering and we were able to experience our first ever show of this, and learn about the hotel’s history. Which was awesome! Plus, this particular hotel’s lobby was quite literally modeled after the Titanic staircase, so of course I had to select this hotel.

Joel - St. Regis Abu Dhabi

On our first day at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi I remember telling Jenn and Jake that the grand entrance reminded me of the Titanic. It had these beautifully rounded staircases with a person playing the piano in the middle. At various points in the trip, we would come into the lobby and I figured at some point we’d see Jack and Kate. Fast forward to the end of our time at the hotel and we went to a champagne sabbering demonstration and we found out that the lobby was in fact built to mirror that of the Titanic. I just love this hotel, its beautiful, elegant, and one that I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

Favorite Memory

Jenn - November 16: Running with Frasier through Central Park

Do you ever feel like you’re watching yourself living a dream? I feel extremely fortunate to say I have many of those moments. But let’s just focus on one that is very close to my heart. I grew up with dogs. I love dogs. I don’t know if it’s in part because I’m an only child, and I always felt like they filled that “sibling” gap, or just because I have so much love and compassion for them, but they were always a big part of my life. 

I got my first dog when I was seven years old after I begged my parents to get me one. They got me a golden retriever, and I decided to name him Joshua (Josh for short). Surprisingly it wasn’t named after a guy I was in love with – it was named after a character in the Bible. Because, well, God has always been that important to me. Josh was the best, albeit, he destroyed my parents’ stuff, and more aptly my mom’s décor / rabbits. But Josh also got my mom through the passing of her dad, and he was a huge part of my childhood and growing up. 

After Josh tragically passed, we adopted a rescue dog, and my family (and Joel) named him Sparky. I was in high school by that time. Sparky was definitely a dog that had lived on the streets, but he quickly adopted to the overwhelming amount of love and spoiling he received from my family (can you say daily head rubs and kisses from my parents). Joel and I also tried to help raise him and took great pride in always walking him around the neighborhood. Sparky passed shortly after my mom did. To say this was the worst and hardest time of my life is an understatement. Life was extremely difficult, and I didn’t have him to help me try and mend those emotions. 

During this time, Joel and I tried – twice – to fill that whole for me. The first time with Bentley, a smart and adorable goldendoodle. We were young (23 and 24) and working hard in our careers. Bentley was amazing, but the timing just wasn’t right and we ended up giving him away to a family that now lives in Singapore (he has a VERY spoiled life now – he flew business class there with his family), so it worked out, but giving him up broke my heart into pieces. Two years later we tried again with a dog we named Sawyer (again a Goldendoodle). That lasted a day, and we took him back to the breeder (the dog was sweet, but out of control, and honestly, we weren’t ready emotionally or financially).

Seven years went by and I honestly had given up on the notion that we would ever have a dog together. It made me extremely sad. As a strange as this may sound, but all I ever wanted in life was to get a dog (in lieu of a child – which probably partially explains why Joel and I don’t have one). Joel always said we could, but the timing never felt right. Then we moved to New York. We knew no one, we were fortunate to be at an income where taking care of a dog financially was well within reach, and we lived at an apartment with a dog daycare on site. I knew if there ever was a time – it was now. So, early in 2019, we put a deposit down on a litter with a breeder named Lewis Manor Labradoodles. We found out a couple months later the mom from that litter had a ghost pregnancy. I thought it was a sign we weren’t meant to have a dog. So, I prayed on it, and terrified, I pushed forward, and we put a deposit down on another litter from Lewis Manor. Frasier was born in that litter on February 22, 2019. We got weekly updates on him, paid for him to be trained, was interviewed by the breeder to make sure we were good parents, and he would be a great match, and well, the rest was history. 

If I genuinely was going to mesh Joel and I’s personality into one – its Frasier. He’s weird, shy, a bit introverted. But man is he sweet and loving, so calm, crazy smart and an all-around happy dog. He is perfect. He has changed our lives for the better – and he is has given me so much life. He’s given me a kind of joy that I haven’t felt since my mom passed a decade ago, and he’s given me a sense of purpose. They say when you love something it never feels like a chore. That’s what I feel like with him. I enjoy everything about taking care of him – including picking up his poop. I love watching Joel, his “daddy” take care of him and love him – and I adore watching us raise him together. It’s such a beautiful thing. 

And while I list my favorite memory with Frasier as running through the park in November – which felt like a day where I was in heaven – it’s truly every day I have with him and Joel that makes this life worth living. From our morning routines filled with 10-minute kisses and cuddle sessions with him on our bed as he comically yawns and nestles into Joel – to him growling and barking at us when its past 8:30PM and we haven’t retreated to the bedroom so he can fall asleep – to Joel picking him up for a family cuddle session (this is when Joel and I kiss him on both sides of his cheek as Joel dances around with him in the living room). I have so many of these moments captured on my iPhone, they feel a bit like videos you would play at my funeral, but I watch them and I start to cry. I want to bottle up every second of them. 

So, I guess to make a very long story short, there are moments like those in November, where I can just stand there watching Frasier happily run through my favorite place in the world, Central Park, where I can laugh with childlike joy as I run after him, or where I can feel like I’m dreaming. But it’s truly the culmination of that moment (with my dream dog), and the “mundane” everyday things with him and Joel that made 2019 for me – and will continue to every single millisecond I have with those two thereafter.

Joel - Celebrating 10 Years with Jenn

I actually sat on this category for longer then I’ve ever done. I have about a dozen memories I could have chosen for this. My new job at Citi, picking up Frasier, flying business class, joining Jenn in Amsterdam for a work trip, eating at Burnt Ends or Odette. But when I think about my favorite memory of the year it would be celebrating 10-years of marriage with Jenn at Eleven Madison Park. It was such a special evening. But even more then just the evening itself the entire week of thinking back on our first ten years just brings me so much joy and pride. We’ve worked hard at our marriage, we’ve grown up a lot in the last ten years, and have both changed quite a bit. And yet with all of that, I love Jenn more today than I ever have and celebrating that fact is far and away my favorite memory of 2019.

Joel

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