Memorable Moments from the 2000s: A Personal Reflection
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Chapter 1: Reminiscing the 2000s
Reflecting on the 2000s brings back a wave of happiness for me. I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area, my birthplace and hometown. I completed high school at the start of the decade and graduated from college towards the end. Adapting to adulthood was a journey I navigated reasonably well, gaining insights into how the world functions.
The decade, however, commenced with a somber event: the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. I remember being in high school, sitting with my symphonic band peers, glued to the television as the tragic events unfolded before our eyes. Even after 22 years, the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost that day in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. still brings sadness.
Section 1.1: My Favorite Shows
Among the various television series of the 2000s, "24" stands out as my top pick. Following closely are "House" and "CSI." The show "House," in particular, is often underrated, overshadowed by hits like "ER" and "Grey's Anatomy." Hugh Laurie portrays Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant yet abrasive physician. His performance earned him two Golden Globe Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Despite House's abrasive demeanor, I would actually prefer him as my physician. While I might leave his office with a headache, at least I'd be in capable hands!
Subsection 1.1.1: Musical Inspirations
John Mayer is undoubtedly my favorite artist from this decade. I still have a CD of his 2006 album "Continuum" tucked away at my parents' house. At one point, I even learned to sing and play piano accompaniments for "Waiting on the World to Change" and "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room." Watch out, "American Idol"!
Section 1.2: Sports Triumphs
As a lifelong supporter of the Golden State Warriors, I was ecstatic when they made it to the postseason in 2007. After years of being one of the NBA's least successful teams, their playoff appearance that season came as a surprise. They went on to defeat the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round, only to be eliminated by the Utah Jazz in the following round. Even without a championship, their performance earned them admiration from fans, analysts, and competitors alike.
Chapter 2: Memorable Films and Travels
If "Crash" and "The Departed" are tied for my favorite films from the 2000s, then "No Country for Old Men" is my favorite comedy from that era. Yes, I said "comedy." While Javier Bardem's talent is undeniable, the film's scenarios are so exaggerated that it's hard not to chuckle at various moments.
In 2007, I ventured to the eastern coast of the United States for the first time. My mother and I embarked on a bus tour, exploring New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Boston. Highlights included the Statue of Liberty and the Philadelphia Mint, but nothing compared to the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls. It was the most stunning natural sight I had ever experienced, and I hope to revisit the east coast to explore these cities more thoroughly.
In this video titled "Rants - 1980s VS. 1990s VS. 2000s," the creator humorously compares the cultural differences across these decades, touching upon music, fashion, and memorable events.
Section 2.1: The Social Media Shift
I reluctantly joined Facebook in 2007. My hesitance stemmed from my loyalty to MySpace and AOL Instant Messenger, as I believed adding more social media would complicate my life. However, friends insisted on sharing photos through Facebook, leaving me with no choice but to create an account. I assumed the platform would fade away quickly, but it seems Mark Zuckerberg had other plans!
Subsection 2.1.1: The Writing Journey
My aspiration to become a writer has been a lifelong goal. I felt proud when I secured my first writing position in 2009, only to face disappointment shortly after when I was laid off due to the recession. It took a full 12 years before I found myself writing professionally again, this time thanks to an online platform called Medium, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my writing career.
In this video titled "I read the 2000s werewolf series shiver so you don't have to," the vlogger humorously reviews paranormal romance books, offering insights into the genre's quirks and trends.