Our Editors Share the Things They Did in 2020 That They NEVER Thought They'd Do

"I got in the habit of drinking a gallon of water a day. (I have always sucked at drinking water.)" — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion

"Cardio is something I never thought I'd do voluntarily, but here I am jump-roping three times a week!" — Stephanie Nguyen, senior editor, branded content

"I joined a virtual adult choir through Brooklyn Music School, and it was one of my favorite hours each week! Hopefully my neighbors didn't mind too much . . ." — Lisa Peterson, senior manager, social media

"I finally got around to making sourdough! It was something I had watched on YouTube for years, and back in June I finally bit the bullet and began my starter. His name is Bubbles, and he gives me two gorgeous loaves every week! I really can never eat store-bought bread again." — Charisandra Perez, coordinator, social and partnerships

"On a serious note, I graduated from college virtually and started a job from home! On a lighter note, I never thought I would read so many books in a single year. It's been a New Year's resolution of mine for years, but I have never dedicated the time to achieving it. This January, I set a goal of one book a month. I hadn't finished one book at the start of March, but I finished 18 by the end of September." — Allison Ingrum, editorial operations support associate

"I celebrated my birthday over Zoom with my family. I also learned how to make arepas over Zoom with my friends who live in different cities." — Victoria Messina, associate editor, trending and viral features

"I never, ever, ever thought I would let my partner give me a Brazilian wax. Yet, I politely asked her because I was desperate . . ." — Kelsey Castañon, director, Beauty

"I did spray-color my hair! (RIP my shower floor.)" — Maggie Panos, senior editor, Voices

"I never thought I would get so into baking! I used to bake with my grandma during the holiday season, but I never really enjoyed it just because of how tedious and time-consuming it was. This year that all changed. I loved finding new recipes, getting the ingredients, spending time in the kitchen, and giving my baked goods to close friends to enjoy. Now I get the hype!" — Lauren Harano, editorial assistant, growth and strategic features

"I crafted with polymer clay and read for pleasure." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness

"This might sound lukewarm, but I don't enjoy or watch a lot of movies or TV, and spending so much time inside has given me the opportunity to watch around 12 TV shows from beginning to end! My favorites: The West Wing, Community, and Veronica Mars." — Madeleine Fournier, senior social coordinator

"I bleached and dyed my hair at home! Well, I had a friend help with the bleach, but I always swore up and down I'd leave it to the professionals." — Riyana Straetker, editor, Voices

"Before this year, I could barely boil water properly, and most of my meals were frozen, takeout, or at a restaurant. Baking bread has been the perfect distraction during this crazy year. It's relaxing, it's hands-on (can't scroll on my phone with my hands wrist-deep in sticky dough), it's practical, and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Plus, it's so fun sharing the delicious fruits of my labor with friends and family!" — Tara Block, director, growth and strategic features

"Cross-stitching. I actually failed a cross-stitching assignment when I was in elementary school, so it's shocking to me I picked it up even after that." — Alessandra Foresto, deputy editor

"I made beaded bracelets." — Haley Lyndes, editorial assistant, growth and strategic features

"I took an online meditation class from Chorus Meditation with Luigi. I cried and it was a great release. It would be great for anyone really looking to clear their head and get emotions out!" — Lisa Sugar, president, POPSUGAR

"I dyed my mom's roots." — Perri Konecky, editor, trending and viral features

"I started cooking! I used to eat salad out for lunch, go out to dinner, order takeout, or just snack (unhealthy habits) — the list goes on. But one thing I never did was cook. This year, I finally started. I feel so much healthier eating well-balanced and thought-out meals." — Krista Jones, associate editor, Shop

"I baked like 10 loaves of banana bread." — Christina Stiehl, senior editor, Fitness

"I made a purse out of Kraft Singles." — Nora Smith, senior social media and partnerships coordinator

"I waxed my own eyebrows." — Karenna Meredith, associate editor, trending and viral features

"I lived with my in-laws for three months." — Hannah Weil McKinley, director, Fashion

"I took language classes." — Cynthia Puleo, copy editor

"I baked really elaborate things! I love baking and always want to try new recipes, but with the extra time at home I actually pushed myself to bake things that I always only thought I would but kept putting off, like a roll cake." — Caitlin Gallagher, senior editor, Living

"I homeschooled my kids and did a cross-country camping road trip with my family." — Kate Schweitzer, senior editor, Family

"I worked on a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle with my husband and was shocked by how engrossed I was in the process. Prepandemic, I wouldn't have had the patience or interest, and I definitely wouldn't have believed I could keep track of 1,000 tiny pieces with a young toddler and 4-year-old running around. For the record, we ended up being three pieces short, but I didn't care. In the end, it was the process, not the finished product, that mattered." — Angela Elias, director, Family

"I learned how to make horchata, which is surprisingly very easy." — Tamara Pridgett, associate editor, Fitness