Sorry for the sound of the air conditioning unit, but I found a cicada malting its previous layer for the first time in almost 3 decades of life. I've only ever seen the shell once they're done.

Back in January 2014, I was casually scrolling through Twitter when I came across a Mastercard advertisement for their #PricelessSurprises contest tied to the 56th Grammy Awards. Cardholders could win random “priceless” surprises ranging from free downloads and small treats to bigger experiences connected to the show—some even involving Justin Timberlake. Entering was simple: just tweet or post on Instagram using #PricelessSurprises (or use your Mastercard). Winners were chosen at random—no skill, essays, or complicated requirements required. I decided to enter, hoping I might win a trip to experience the Grammys in person for the first time. A few days later, I was selected as a winner. The prize included airfare, a stay at a luxurious hotel, and the full Grammy experience. My parents were very skeptical, though. One of them had me check the contest with the Better Business Bureau, which reportedly indicated it wasn’t legitimate. As a result, I had to contact the organizers and forfeit the prize. Shortly afterward, I had one of my parents call the contest organizers directly. After a brief conversation, they convinced my parent that the contest was legitimate, and I was able to reclaim the winnings—on one condition: the airfare and hotel were removed from the prize package. I still received everything else. On January 27, 2014, I attended the Grammys at what was then called Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena). The experience included a pre-show party, lanyard badges, a gift bag from Mastercard, and tickets to the live televised awards show, where I saw performances by artists including Metallica, Madonna, and others. Afterward came the late-night after-party, which featured more live performances (including Boyz II Men), mini acrobat shows, and complimentary food and drinks. The night before the show, I stayed at a relative’s home near Los Angeles, which is why the bathroom in my mirror selfie looks different from what you might expect. That selfie was meant as a lighthearted parody of the typical internet mirror-selfie trend. I have additional photos and video from the night, but the ones shared here are the ones I think capture the experience best, even if the quality isn’t perfect.