My issue with boys, and the entire male species with the exception of gay boys

Well... After some "suspicious" activities on my blog, I am back and unaware of what activity might have preceded this blog post.

As I'm listening to the rain fall outside, I've decided to embark on a long journey into the oblivion that is: "Natalie's dating life." I know what you're thinking, Natalie, you are smart and wonderful, all of the opposite sex must be flocking at your doorstep! And if you are thinking that, you are sadly wrong because until three months ago, my dating life was noticeably absent.

I'll be honest, I had my first kiss three months ago. I was twenty years old, most of the people I know in my daily life are much younger when they have their first kiss but the male species had not found an attraction to me before three months ago so there you go. Either way, since this revolution in my life I have suddenly found myself in the midst of a lot of boys (not a lot, but a considerably larger number than there were before). I've decided to breakdown the boys in my life, I of course, have changed their names to WONDERFUL cover names so as to not embarrass and/or reveal the identities.

-- Alejandro: Alejandro and I met at work. He, in a different department and me, in the front, rarely saw each other however, because his work was mostly seasonal he often came to the front to help. We hadn't really ever talked but he did talk to Danielle and I noticed he'd been looking at me quite often, however, I didn't really think anything of it. One day, in mid-January, right after the Christmas rush had died down, I took over his register to give him a break. I noticed a line of gummy bears all over the register and instantly, grew disgusted with the prospect of people's hands touching them, I took a paper towel and disposed of them. When Alejandro returned, he stood appalled. Those gummy bears had happened to be his friends, and I got rid of them. From then on, we talked a lot. He, always hilarious, I, always the precious butterfly. I noticed he started to drift when I started dating Jacoby (more on him soon). He never spoke to me and acted like we were never friends, which hurt a lot. I asked him why he was mad at me one day and he told me it was because I was dating a giant asshole. At the time, I wasn't taking a lot of advice, so I ignored his. When Jacoby and I broke up, he continued to ignore me but had "forgiven me." Today was (most likely) his last day at work so I decided to buy him some gummy bears which I asked Danielle to give to him. He didn't want them, and ignored the gummy bears when Danielle tried to give them to him. I still don't understand why he's mad, and I'm upset because while we're not exactly "buddies" anymore, he was once my friend, and I wanted to give him a proper goodbye and at least leave on good terms but he doesn't want that, and it hurts me so bad because to be honest, I did like him, and if Jacoby hadn't come into my life, I think something could've happened, especially if he had feelings for me and those are what is making him upset (Danielle's theory).

-- Jacoby: Do you have boys in your life who are bad news, and everyone says they're bad news but you don't listen to them because what you have is "real" and you "understand him"? Well, Jacoby is that times 1 million. I met Jacoby about a month after he started working. He was cute, and had a really nice smile, so I was instantly attracted to him. I knew he had a reputation because he had liked a CRAZY member of our staff, and had been "shot down" and then proceeded to talk to another member of our staff. I met him one day, and we started talking. Things weren't too serious but he asked me out one day and I agreed. From then on we started texting and talking nonstop. I really liked him despite Danielle's reservation, not to mention my other coworkers. It was a bit unnerving, having everyone telling me not to talk to him, but I think it made me want him more. I always knew Jacoby was a bit arrogant and for all intensive purposes, immature. However, I had ignored it until one night (the night after we had made it "official"-- NOT LIKE THAT, JUST OFFICIAL AS IN BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND) he had come to "surprise" me at work. Danielle had been mad at me because I hadn't told her we were official yet, and I had a monster headache, so the last thing I wanted was this guy coming into my work and basically pulling me away from my best friend. When we went outside, he did something really immature and stupid and ended up physically hurting himself. We parted ways, my anger evident, and I texted him saying I didn't want us to be together. A short DAY LATER he started talking to the original CRAZY coworker, and they started dating. I was livid, I had been told to stay away, I didn't listen, and now he was making me look like an idiot. We didn't speak for a month, then I started talking to him again. I confessed I still had feelings for him, to which he replied that he had feelings for me too, but he couldn't be in a relationship right now. I didn't much care because I had begun to talk to Roberto (more about him soon). Then, there was this thing with a married woman (I still don't know what that was about), and now he is dating a girl who just started working. I am absolutely angry, because while I don't know how I feel, I'm upset he told me he wasn't ready for a relationship but then went and started one. I can't even warn her because I hate her. She even added me on Facebook. Really? That's what you're going to do? Add me on Facebook so I can see the two of you's updates constantly?

-- Roberto: I honestly don't have anything bad to say about Roberto and I won't because he's really special to me, even if we're purely platonic now. Right when Jacoby and I discussed our reappearing feelings, I began talking (via Skype) to Roberto. Roberto lived in England, so we often talked about him visiting me and visa versa. However, the entire friendship began because we were both dealing with the loss of our exes (me, obviously, Jacoby, Robert, his ex). I helped him get over his ex and he helped me. I had developed real feelings for him, and I had thought his were real as well. However, shortly after I had seen some progress in him, I noticed him drifting. I asked what was wrong, and fights ensued. He then confessed that while he felt something when we were talking (given, he wasn't ok, as far as his ex goes, and needed someone to stop him from feeling lonely), he didn't feel them anymore now that he was over his ex. I certainly believe that I helped him a lot, and he helped me as well, and I don't fault him for using me to gain some type of footing and stability. There are some people who are like Jacoby, and awful and go out to hurt people and then there are people like Roberto, who are so kind and afraid to hurt people and honestly care so much (even though they pretend they don't) that they'll lose sleep over whether someone is hurt or upset because of something they did. There's a steady bond between Roberto and me because we helped one another so much, and I appreciate him so much. So yes, it hurt a lot when a lot of the things I hoped would happen didn't happen, but I'm healed in knowing I have someone I can really talk to about anything and everything. There aren't many people like Roberto in this world, and I mean that wholeheartedly, if you find one, you really need to keep them, because even now when I'm upset about Jacoby and thinking about how Alejandro hurt me despite us not really being anything, I know he'll be there for me. Side note: If Roberto happens to read this, please don't freak out! You know, you're worth a lot more than anything bad I have ever said about you. You're a great person and I wholeheartedly forgive you.

-- Finally, there's Plan T: Plan T is currently at a stand still, as usual (refer back to my Plan T post). He did write on my Facebook wall, and Danielle did give him my phone number (how else would it happen?!), however, his phone is "broken" (is that code for something?) but he may text me when it's not broken. I highly doubt that'll happen because as far as I can tell, Plan T is failing miserably. He's leaving to go back to school soon, and I highly doubt he's going to get up the courage to text me. I really like him, but he's so shy. I'm not used to that, Jacoby was so confident when we first got together. Why isn't T?

So, as you can see, my issues all stem from boys. This post isn't as interesting (if you could call them that) as my others but this is my blog, and I feel I should be able to write what I want, especially when I'm feeling so downright shitty about everything that's happening. 

I really hope, I haven't offended anyone (except maybe Jacoby), but boys are stupid and I just want to demonstrate their stupidity in this lovely blogpost. Feel free to share your annoying boy problems with me as well, I am all ears. 

Through all of this, I've come to terms with a lot of my feelings and realized the power of Taylor Swift songs.

x

Homemade Tazo Passion Tea

What is my life?

There are two things in this world that define me: "poor" and "college student." The college student means that like most college students, I enjoy the finer things in life like Starbucks, the poor means that unlike the productive members of society, I cannot afford Starbucks on a daily basis. I am mildly obsessed with Tazo Iced Passion Tea Lemonade (might've mixed up a few words there), I used to drink it religiously when I was in school in New York (back then, I made myself think I could afford things), however, since moving back home, Starbucks isn't a few blocks away, so not only am I paying four dollars for a drink BUT I am paying gas money. 

So when I was happily walking through Target with a mountain of school supplies (I love Target, and school supplies), I was shocked to find the box to the left on the shelf. It was Tazo Iced Passion tea for $2.99. My mind was blown, my thoughts running a mile a minute. Could this be real? Did this store really have this tea I had longed for? The answer is yes, and it is amazing. 

While I'm not sure if this tea is sold anywhere besides Target (let me know, if you see it in your local stores), I feel that it is necessary to just show you how FREAKIN EASY IT IS TO MAKE STARBUCKS AT HOME!

Boil, boil, boil.

You begin by boiling water (if you are a child and/or prone to burning houses down, please don't do this/blame it on me for doing it). The box has instructions on the side that say half of the pitcher (yes, a PITCHER of tea) should be filled with half boiling water, half cold water, it also said the pitcher should be 64 fl oz. Now, I don't know how these pitchers and fl oz work so I just used my handy dandy brain (and measuring cup) to pour 32 fl oz into the pot to boil (most measuring cups have it on the side). 

It only took about ten minutes to boil however, I do put my stove on quite high which is BAD, don't do it, it makes the house stink.

IGNORE THE ICE! PRETEND IT'S BOILING WATER!

Next, you need to find a pitcher (which I strongly suggest should either be glass or a strong plastic as shitty plastic may have a tendency to melt under boiling conditions) and place the tea bag into the pitcher then the boiling water on top. Once again, please be careful as you don't want to burn yourself while transferring the boiling water into the pitcher. Let the tea bag "steep" for five minutes. 

After I patiently waited and smelt the wonderful aroma of hibiscus flowers, tropical flavors and orange peel (true ingredients demonstrated on the side of the box), the timer went off and it was time for the next step! 

Removing the tea bag!

The next step is pretty self-explainatory, I pretty much got you excited for nothing, all you do is remove the tea bag. 

I wish it was more exciting but it's not. It did make a pretty red color though. Thumbs up for red stuff! 

Cold water to make it ICED!

As I previously mentioned, the pitcher should be 64 fl oz, so you should fill the remainder of the pitcher (32 fl oz) with COLD water. I ended up putting ice cubes in the water, which I think diluted the flavor a bit so I don't recommend what is shown in the picture to the left. Instead, fill it up and place the COLD water into the pitcher with the boiling water.

Side note: I know it says 16 oz, I filled it up twice because 16 + 16 = 32. Duh. 

Spoonful of sugar(s)

Next, you can add a little step if you're like me and like your tea sweetened. Add a few spoonfuls of sugar to make it sweet tea, it adds a little kick and while it takes away from the naturalness, it makes it taste amazing. 

Fun story: One time I got unsweetened tea by accident, worst day of my life.

Wooden spoons RULE!

Next all you have to do is stir it up with a utensil of your choosing as you can see, I chose a wooden spoon because it is fancy and also was right next to me. 

Finally, fill a cup up with ice, poor your tea and BAM! an amazing Starbucks drink is in your hands. You can even recycle one of your Starbucks cups and pretend you went to Starbucks when you really didn't because we all know you're much cooler with a Starbucks cup in hand.

ALSO: You can make it Tazo Iced Passion Tea Lemonade by instead of filling the pitcher with cold water after it steeps, filling it with cold lemonade. I plan to do this tomorrow. Maybe, I shall make a small post about my findings then.

Side note: Isn't my A Christmas Story cup amazing? Fra-gi-le, it must be Italian! I think it says fragile, dear. Ah, I love that movie. 

Hopefully, you guys will enjoy yourselves some Tazo Passion Tea as well, and let me know if you find the tea bags anywhere else! 

x

Three years...

One Direction during X Factor

Today is the three year anniversary of One Direction's
inception. The inception that shook an entire generation of girls who began the long, arduous process of being in love with five European boys who have no idea they exist. That may sound dramatic, and altogether over-the-top but since they've come into my life I haven't found much of a need to turn around.

Before everyone starts, I'll let you know this; I'm twenty years old. I was around for the Backstreet Boys. I remember the 90s hysteria and granted I was only five or six when I saw them in concert, I acted no different than when I saw One Direction a few weeks ago. They have changed my life, and while I know everyone says that, I'm being 100% honest when I say that if they hadn't come into my life a year ago, I don't know where I'd be.

Another complaint I'm sure I'll get is that I'm not a "real" fan because I haven't been around since the beginning, however, being a "real" fan doesn't mean you must've been there since the beginning, it means you care enough to sit down and listen to their music, and love them because of who they are and what they sing not because it's popular.

I'm not a front-runner or someone who came into the circle because it was cool (because believe me, being twenty and being obsessed with One Direction isn't cool), I had been in a situation where boy bands weren't exactly my number one priority. When college happens, you're overwhelmed and when you become overwhelmed a lot of what you once held in high esteem, stuff that makes you happy kind of falls to the wayside (not for most people, but for me).

Red Nose Day... awww.

When I had to take a semester off for some mental issues (long story), I was defeated, empty, alone and unsure what my next move was. Being depressed isn't easy for anyone, it's dark and sometimes seems endless. I look back on it and wonder how I survived it because when all you want to do is lay in bed and when no one is really saying to you "don't do that! It's bad!" you don't really have a reason not to do it. So I spent a lot of my lost semester sleeping or on the computer.

I found One Direction one day and from then on things were different. Don't get me wrong, I don't credit them for making me better or being the only reason I got over my depression and anxiety but believe me, they're one of the pieces of the puzzle I really needed.

I saw five normal boys who went on X Factor, accompanied by their parents and friends and family and lived a normal life with the exception of the fact they were talented. I watched videos from the beginning of their career, before they were even One Direction, before they knew each other and I watched as the five of them became One Direction, excelled in X Factor and then thrived in the real world. All the while, I didn't notice a difference in any of them. They've remained humble, and exactly the way they should be and that's what makes me love them.

Looking at the way they act onstage. They don't care if people laugh at them, they want to have fun. They're people like you and me, they rebel, they make mistakes and that's what makes me love them. They don't walk around acting like they're better than everyone they do what they love to do and don't bother with the bullshit.

When things, like the Liam incident (which I don't know fully about because I was knee deep in Calculus work that week) happen and I see that people think he's not grateful, I have to laugh. People are rude, and look at them as toys, things that don't have feelings and those are the people that should be ashamed of themselves. Disturbing them when they work so hard, and invading their privacy, it's something people should look at as awful. It's not fair to them, they're five boys who we all know are grateful to us. Stop, pushing it. Because in the end we've watched them grow and become people we admire because they're not jaded, but doing what people do, like disturbing them when they're tired is what will make them jaded and resentful. People can only take so much, even five "superheroes" who do everything they can to make people happy.

Everyone should be grateful for One Direction. Not because of what they've provided for us fans but because they've proven that you can still be the same person three years later, after your life has been turned upside down.

Congratulations Zayn, Liam, Harry, Louis and Niall. You've made it possible for everybody to not only fall in love with you, but prove that you haven't accomplished anything until you've accomplished the true art of humbleness and unwillingness to let bullshit and fame get to your head.

When I saw them two weeks ago. So faraway!

I'm so proud to call myself a Directioner.

Thank you.

x

Trip to Philly 7.22.2013

To stray away from my last, political post today I shall blog about my trip to 1D World in Philly. Philly is about two hours from my house, so it would require a road trip for Danielle, Rosie (my sister) and me.

Danielle and me in a random park

We woke up quite early and headed out by 10:30 AM. The trip was long, and I drove the entire time so naturally I was extremely tired when we finally arrived in Philadelphia. 

Upon arriving in Philly, we got a little turned around. Once we found 1D world, we managed to get lost finding a parking garage however, miraculously I only got beeped at once. When we finally found a parking garage, I told them I'd return in two hours, which made me feel quite a bit rushed. When we began to walk Danielle got us somewhat lost because she used directions created specifically for driving hence, the reason it took a half an hour to get to the store, which should've only taken ten minutes but I don't fault her for that. 

Me, in front of 1D World.

For those of you who don't know 1D World is a pop up store, which translates to a store that "pops" up in designated cities for a short period of time. I had wanted to go there so badly when it was in New York but couldn't because I live three hours away, and it really wasn't worth the trip. The actual store is a lot smaller than I expected and isn't really a store, more of a counter with a lot of One Direction merchandise behind it that you ask for from the clerk. I'd hate to see it on a busy day because it really is a crazy process. I didn't end up buying as much as I'd like because I had to get lunch still and pay for parking but I did pick up a "box" that had a tote, calendar (which I already had), bracelets, pendent, and a pen. I also got a poster to replace my old one that is a little outdated. Obviously, not exactly worth a long trip but it was an experience nonetheless and Danielle got to go to Philly, somewhere she'd never been before (we're working on getting her out more).

Amazing photography courtesy of
Danielle

When we left I took control of the map because we all know Dani can not control it while walking (driving is all good, she's an excellent navigator). We saw a Shake Shack right by where we parked so we knew that was a place we wanted to stop. Even though I lived in New York for four months I have never been to Shake Shack (truly a sin, I know). Honestly, I was just excited for a good burger, one that everyone talks about. 

We ended up each getting a burger from there. The cashier was so nice, and asked me about my stylish 1D bag (see below). I informed her about 1D World. Shout out to Shake Shack in Philly!

Incredibly unflattering picture
of me modeling the back of my bag

After that we headed for the car. Surprisingly, parking was pretty cheap, only $14.00 despite the fact it was valet. We got out of Philly pretty quickly, which was exciting and I didn't get lost once! 

I knew I wanted a cardboard cut-out but I didn't want to spend $35.00 for one at 1D World AND have to carry it all around Philly so we stopped off at Toys R Us, which had them for $25.00. I also got my mom a Teddy from Good Luck Charlie doll because she is obsessed with that show. I literally have no idea why, she's a grown woman I swear! 

We ended up heading home after Toys R Us, but not before I got a fabulous Liam cut-out that Flynn is deathly afraid of. 

Rosie, at 1D World

I do have to say that my sister, who dislikes One Direction and is a self-proclaimed "too cool for school" hipster, punky chick did accompany me to 1D World. I've included photo proof. She'll be so mad if she finds out this is somewhere public, good thing she never reads this blog!

Sorry this post was mostly pictures! Back to regularly scheduled programs next post!

x

Opinion: Bomber on Rolling Stone

I had a long discussion with my mother last night about the Rolling Stone cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, also known as the suspect in the Boston bombing. While I've never intended this blog to get political, I had intended on sharing my opinions, which sometimes involve controversial topics. In this blog post, I want to talk about why I support Rolling Stone in putting Tsarnaev on the cover this week. I know, it's not the popular opinion at the moment, and while I don't condone "glorifying" anyone who attacks someone, much less an entire country, I don't think Rolling Stone putting him on the cover is in anyway "glorifying" him more than he's "glorified" on the news, in newspapers, etc.

After the bombing Tsarnaev was featured on every news outlet. News programs sat at roundtables discussing him. How is Rolling Stone putting him on the cover any different? Sure, Rolling Stone is a magazine created purely for entertainment, but isn't any other magazine the same? Time and Newsweek may have been created to deliver news, but Rolling Stone has been a news outlet as well. They've featured politicians, news anchors, etc. Why is featuring him on the cover so taboo, when the article isn't glorifying him, but doing what most people won't do; attempting to understand him and why he did what he did?

The Charles Mason cover

First of all, he doesn't look like a "rockstar," in fact, initially I thought it was Charles Manson, similar to the cover featured in 1970 that won the magazine a National Magazine Award. And Manson only talked to Rolling Stone because he wanted his album plugged. His album? He released an album, that people bought. He was "glorified" and he created a brutal cult.

I'm sure that in Tsarnaev's case, he partially created this attack because he wanted the press. Good or bad, his name is being talked about in households, on the news, etc. The Rolling Stone cover is no different than the press he gets on CNN, to him anyway.

In the end, we've made him a a celebrity and the Rolling Stone cover isn't going to change that or further that idea. In fact, I plan on buying this issue of Rolling Stone so I can read the article. Now that his attack has been done, we've mourned the horror, crucified (which we should) him and his brother for their doing, it's time to learn about him and why he did it.

He's not the first person to attack America and he certainly won't be the last. I'm sure there were signs within his personality, and learning about him, learning about why he did it, will help us understand, and hopefully prevent someone from doing the same thing in the future.

Rolling Stone may be an entertainment magazine, but isn't the news a form of entertainment as well? I'm not condoning Rolling Stone for giving him press, but I'm saying the news outlets that create a roundtable to talk about the cover aren't much different than Rolling Stone. Any press we give him is fueling the fire, the best thing we can do is stop talking about him and I doubt that'll happen anytime soon. With that, I support Rolling Stone in creating this magazine.

Side note: Sorry this was all over the place, I struggled writing this because I was nervous of the reaction. 

x

The Story of Broadway & Natalie (Part I): The beginning

As I sat down trying to figure out what I should write about, I decided I'd speak about something I alluded to previously, my love of Broadway.

Some would call it an obsession, others pure passion but I call it my savior (and all of the above). I'd like to explain a little bit about my love of Broadway, where it began, etc however, I don't feel it would be sufficient of me to do so without first talking about how this all began.

At the age of five I was incredibly mature. I rarely cried in public, rarely threw fits (my mother would probably disagree), and enjoyed writing stories and drawing pictures more than playing video games (the few we actually had in 1997). I guess this is why my aunt thought it was such a good idea to start me young, and take me to my first ever show.

My sister, me, Aunt Barb and Lizzie
circa 2009

My Aunt Barb and I have always been close, and while I think we'd be just as close if she hadn't taken me to the Lyric that day, I still feel like that particular trip blossomed the bond we still hold today.

I had dressed in my best, gotten ready with a smile and sat in the back of Aunt Barb's car saying "it's going to be just us girls." I didn't know much about shows nor did I know exactly what we were going to do. Sure, I knew we'd be seeing Peter Pan but in my head, Peter Pan was a Disney cartoon, not some lady on strings flying across the theater and singing.

Cathy Rigby

I think the idea of Cathy Rigby confused me because for one, she was a lady playing Peter Pan and two, I didn't understand she was acting. When I eventually caught on, I was really excited.

I sat in awe as I watched Peter Pan and Tink's adventures as Wendy and her brothers followed suit, leaping into the audience, singing and dancing; doing everything I loved to watch and all the while live on stage. It was a whole new idea, something happening right before my eyes, real people on a stage singing like I had seen in the movies.

I left that day draped in Playbills, and programs and stuffed alligators (which I still have to this day).

Needless to say, after that trip my life was changed: I was in love with musical theater and wanted to do something, anything (I briefly did a short community theater stint but I realized my dreams were much better suited behind the scenes).

Me, outside the Gershwin 7 years
after I saw Wicked for the first time.

My dad had gotten season tickets to the Hippodrome in Baltimore and naturally, he kept me informed of all the shows coming to Broadway. It just so happened that one particular show had buzz from here to Seattle; Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. I had grown up watching Dorothy and Toto so I was immediately attracted to Wicked. My dad got us tickets for Memorial Day weekend, and I instantly grew excited at the thought of a place where shows played constantly, unlike Baltimore, they didn't rotate in small packages, they remained (somewhat) constant and played in theaters, specifically created for housing musicals.

I remember my dad picking me up from school, I was in 5th grade and happened to be making candles in school (how I remember that, I don't know). I remember holding my candle as my dad picked me up from the bus stop, my bags already in the trunk ready for the drive to New York.

I had only been to New York once before, I was six or seven and I had the flu so my idea of New York was hazy and a bit negative (what kid wants to go back to a place where they experienced a debilitating flu). However, when we arrived just after dark we turned into Times Square and I was in awe. I loved the lights, the fact it was 9 PM and the streets were shining bright excited me. The theaters, there were dozens, I couldn't believe my eyes. What was this magical place and why was I so deprived of it for such a long time?

We spent all day walking around New York until 2 PM for the Saturday matinee. It was May, which meant Wicked was still in it's youth, just a few months after opening and a few weeks before the Tony Awards where it'd lose to Avenue Q (that did not stop it!).

Hanging out with Jeanna de Waal who
played Glinda when I saw it
for the third time in Baltimore
this past October

Seeing Wicked with Kristin Chenowith and (soon to be Tony winner) Idina Menzel was crazy. Especially considering the fact most people would've killed to see that pair. It was unheard of for me, to see a show of that magnitude, in a place where I could walk outside and see more shows.

From then on, my mind was made up. New York would become my home.

After that trip I returned to New York to see some other shows, including but not limited to: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray, and Bye Bye Birdie. The trips were few and far between up until 2010 when my eyes began to settle on my second (Rent was first) Broadway love: In the Heights. 

You'll have to come back soon to learn about In the Heights. I feel like it needs its own place on this blog.

For now, I shall remind you to defy gravity, and keep on being popular (get it? get it? huh? huh?)

x

Classified: Plan T

According to Danielle I needed to write a blog entry on what is now to be called "Plan T."

As you may have read earlier, I have been (slowly) getting over my first breakup. Yes, I know, I know... But before, you ask, this blog isn't going to be about HIM (as Danielle calls him on her blog), instead, I shall talk about what I would like to see in a guy and write about Plan T aka the ship Danielle wants to see sail.

I really feel like I need to find a guy who will watch Tangled because  after all, I am obsessed with Tangled. While I don't enjoy speaking about my ex, I will say that I sat through movies he recommended, and not happily I might add, and he never once wanted to sit through Tangled no matter how much I asked him to. The movie is an hour and twenty minutes, if you can't take the time out of your "busy schedule" to watch an hour and twenty minute movie I politely ask you to watch, there's a good chance it won't work out between us.

As shallow as that may sound, I'm honestly not someone who obsessively makes list containing, which movies you must watch to be in a relationship with me. In fact, Tangled is literally the only request I have when it comes to boys. I think it's mainly because no one I've even remotely considered being in a relationship with has actually watched the movie.

I don't know what else I may or may not want in a guy, partially because I've only talked to two people that had the prospect of being in a relationship with me.

Now, since Danielle has sat through my tears, endless amount of unhappiness, anger, frustration, self-loathing, depression, absolute needing, groveling, etc (a little overdramatized) she wants to find me a nice boy. And she has set her sights on someone we shall call T. T isn't like any of the boys I've talked to in the sense that he's not the most confident. I'm not used to having to make the first move since my ex wasn't exactly self-concious (some would say he was a little too confident). I do enjoy him because of this. It's not fun dating someone who is confident enough to think they're better than everyone else and at the same time, think you're a better person because of him. I want someone who is just as self-conscious as me, because, let's face it, you shouldn't want to be with someone who makes you feel more insecure because they feel like they're better than you.

It's weird. As much as I see something happening between us, I don't see it happening. He's really sweet and funny but like I said before, he's self-concious and doesn't make any move (even when I provide an outlet to make a move), instead he just waddles uncertain and insecure, and I hate that because I really could see me liking him (I already do) if only he'd at least ask for my number.

It's a whole crazy idea really; dating is so complicated. Why does it have to be like this? Why can't everything just fall into place, but I guess life would be too easy then, and there wouldn't be any "fun."

I just want to find someone who will watch Tangled and not think it's below him to act like a kid, because I'm definitely the type of person to act like a kid (if my other posts weren't indication enough).

x

Meet my best friend

I realized while writing my other posts I talk about my best friend, Danielle, like you all already know her but in reality I haven't really talked about the two of us in general. So, I shall talk about my best friend, sister from another mister, buddy, amiga, etc.

Let's travel back to a year ago, August 2012 to be exact. During 2012 I had taken a semester off, so I was kind of a couch potato, sitting around bored. My mom insisted I needed to get a job, so I applied at Walmart and became a cashier.

I don't remember the exact time Danielle and I met but I do remember Danielle playing with a plastic ball during the first few times we worked together.

In the beginning we were just really acquaintances. We didn't really talk too much, we were just civil to one another, while simultaneously helping one another when we could (i.e. bagging for each other, etc).

Skins: Generation Two. Freddie!

One particular day, Danielle had asked if I had ever watched Skins. At this point in my life I had only seen the American version, which sucked so I wasn't too into the idea of getting involved with a show as annoying as that. However, Danielle asked if I'd watch it so I started to. We exchanged text messages and started talking about Skins constantly. I fell in love with the characters, and the story lines, it was amazing.

Sass in a glass

After I finished Skins I insisted she watch Downton Abbey, which she loved and then she insisted I watch Misfits and I insisted she listen to Ed Sheeran and Little Mix and here we are, in love with everything British and bonded for life.

In the beginning of our friendship, we would sit in the Walmart parking lot and talk for hours on end. She became my therapist and vice versa. We eventually graduated to sleepovers, which was a big jump for us.

The first time she slept over we pulled mattresses into the living room, and slept on the floor and pretended to watch movies. Then Danielle staying at my house became a regular occurrence. In fact, she's currently laying on her mattress (yes, she has her own bed in my room). We are so connected and have been through so much with one another, despite the fact we've only known each other for one year.

Pinata carnage

During this past year, I went through my first break up. Danielle was there with me and even suggested the only way I know to get over a boy, buy a pinata and kick the shit out of it. I don't know what I'd do without her being there for me when my heart broke into a million pieces. She's one of the few people I know who will watch me cry my eyes out, hug me and then tell me I need to pick up my boot straps because I'm better than the tears I'm crying.

She's also one of the few people who can appreciate my obsessions, and even find some obsessions of her own (i.e. Ed Sheeran, etc).

Little Mix concert

We've gotten into my crazy adventures. We visited Ikea and bought a shit ton of items that weighed my car down but made us feel old because Ikea is like our toy store. Also, we saw Little Mix in concert and drove around in a circle for twenty minutes straight. Yeah, both of our sense of direction suck.

I have never had a best friend I could tell everything to, and trust not to judge me, but Danielle fits the bill. We're going to be friends forever, I can already tell you that, especially because she basically lives at my house and I don't see her leaving anytime soon. I'm glad I met Dani and I'm so happy she's in my life.

Love you lots Dani!

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[Insert cheesy "Thrift Shop" lyric here]

Well, hello world! Back again for one more exciting entry in the world of Natalie! Today Danielle and I went thrift shopping!

Draped in leopard mink

I know, I know, and before you ask, we did listen to Thrift Shop and constantly sang the lyrics when we saw something even remotely related to the songs (see photo #1). We don't deny that Thrift Shop is wonderful nor do we deny ourselves the pleasures of immensely screaming the words "I'M GONNA POP SOME TAGS!"

I should say that thrift shops can be wonderful but my area of location doesn't exactly have the best selection. It takes a lot to actually find a goldmine here in redneck, Pennsylvania, but when you do find something, it's quite amazing. 

Flyaway

The first lovely piece I picked up was a cute cover-up I hope to use during the fall/winter months. I guess this one would better be categorized as a "flyaway" (I believe) as it has no buttons. I actually used to have a really gorgeous "flyaway" but it ripped from wear; so when I found this one, I fell in love. It's H&M, which means it's pretty good quality, and I walked away with it for only $5.99, which is probably much better in comparison to the price H&M would charge (not to say H&M is expensive, but come on? $5.99. That's a bargain bitch!).

My 80-year old sweater

I also picked up another H&M sweater which Danielle commented on by saying "that can be categorized in your 80-year old self."Whatever, I actually quite like it, it's pretty oversized and would look cute off the shoulder. Side note: I'm not a fashion guru by any stretch of the imagination, I wear what I like, hence, this gorgeous sweater some would characterize as an item in an "80-year old's wardrobe." This beauty was only $4.99, another excellent bargain, if I do say so myself. I was super excited about it because I love the cream color, as well as the look of it. I don't know. Let me know what you all think! I'll have to see what I can pair it with to not make myself look like an 80-year old. Just kidding, I love you Danielle!

Hipster figurines

I realized that thrift shops do bring out the hipster side of me. However, to clarify, I am not a hipster, everything I like that others may like ironically, I like out of pure happiness. Just thought I'd clear that up.

So yes, the "hipster" figurines are quite interesting. The one on the left is a pig, which I bought for my sister because she is quite obsessed with pigs (she named him Maxwell). It was only $1.99 and I felt like I should bring my sister something back from my thrift shop trip, souvenirs rock! The one on the right is a little mouse with a carrot. I basically couldn't resist him, especially for $.49. He is so cute, I'm trying to figure out what to name him, suggestions would be appreciated!

Wicked and Disney!

Lastly, I picked up these two gems. The one on the left is a Wicked cup with a green lid. Basically, my mom loves Wicked and cups from Broadway shows. She has a Wicked cup but it doesn't have a green lid so when I saw this, I bought it. It was only $.99, and I know that they're sold for $5.00 on Broadway (granted, they do come with a drink), so this was quite a deal. I was also pleasantly suprised that someone in this area of Pennsylvania would actually see a Broadway musical. Proud of whoever donated this!

The glass on the right is from Disneyland. Apparently it came from the 40th anniversary of Disneyland, which I have calculated to be from 1995. I don't know why I got it exactly. I think I just like to pretend I've been to Disneyland (sadly, I have never visited Disney World or Disneyland as it has never been something my parents would take me to, no matter how obsessed with Disney I am). I couldn't resist, Mickey Mouse (and for only $1.99!), and he's here and lovely, and I'm happy. Now I can smile and remember my trip to the thrift shop whenever I drink out of it, not my trip to Disney Land in 1995, which NEVER HAPPENED.

Anyway, overall I spent around $16.00. A small portion of my $20.00 I decided to bring ("only got twenty dollars in my pocket"). It was quite a trip, and I must visit again soon.

Thanks for visiting! Love you all!

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My name is Natalie Letra... And this is my life

A la Lizzie Bennet...

I am adorable!

What can I say about me? Well, I'm a twenty year old college student, living at home, working at Walmart and getting into wild adventures with my best friend, Danielle.


The easiest way to describe me is by dividing me into several age categories, none of which are actually twenty:

I am firstly an eight year old. I enjoy Disney movies immensely. My absolute favorite is Tangled followed closely behind by Beauty and the Beast and Hercules (underrated Disney movies for the win). I'm so obsessed with Tangled I named my cat Flynn, after Flynn Rider, the prince in Tangled. 

Flynn Rider, IN THE FLESH!

On a depressing side note: I have not been able to get one boy to watch Tangled for me, if you'd like to watch Tangled, I'm pretty sure we'll be married.

If you want to dive into Pixar, by all means, open the floodgates of passion: I adore Toy Story (Slinky Dog = love), Up (BUT IT'S A TALKING DOG!), Monster's University (I'll laugh with you, and I'll cry with you!), Finding Nemo (shark bate who ha ha).

Next, I am a fourteen year old fangirl. Short story time: this has been a relevant description of me for years, upon years. When I was five, I was obsessed with the Backstreet Boys; I even stayed up past my bedtime to see them in concert. Upon the age of thirteen I discovered the Jonas Brothers and my "obsession" was fulfilled to a point that it was unhealthy. I saw them in concert ten times and met them four times. My parents really loved me at that point in my life. Nowadays, I reserve my fangirling for One Direction. Yes, I am older than all of them but one, but they bring me an immense amount of pleasure, so fuck you if you be hatin'.

I'm also an eighty year old in the sense that I crochet a shit ton of items, all of which have become excellent gifts for friends/family members, and I always make my items with love!

January 9th, 2011... I can't. 

I also tend to obsess over Broadway. I don't know what age category you would consider that to live in, but Broadway hit me young and it hit me hard. I'll have to enlighten you on the beginning of my love in another blog post but for now, I shall say that my absolute love has been and always will be In the Heights. January 2011 was a hard hard month for me, full of lots of tears, angry pleas with the Broadway Gods (PLEASE, JUST A FEW MORE PERFORMANCES!), depression (which included a bucket of cookie dough) and a very long trip to New York, spent mostly filled with my tears and my father's confusion ("but it's just a Broadway show!" "NO IT WASN'T!"). In the Heights lives within my heart. I also have an odd recollection with Broadway theaters/Broadway shows, as in, I can tell you quite a lot about theaters and what shows they housed. It's an odd gift, I am proud to say I own.

We call this Nat's awkward phase.

I also briefly lived in New York and managed to see quite a few Broadway shows, including my lovely Godspell which I have calculated to have spent over $2000 on. Yes, I did see it 26 times and no, I did not get to go onstage once, I did meet Hunter Parrish a bajillion times and fantasized about having his children, while remaining cool, calm and collected. He hugged me A LOT and I remain the proud owner of a prop, he signed with the quote "Godsell 2011." Yeah, a Hunter Parrish original right there.

There's so much I could say but I feel like I need to reserve some things for future entries.

I don't know what the point is of making this. I partially created it because Danielle wanted me to, but I also feel like there are some things I'd love to talk about with an audience, so inclined as yourselves. I hope you find yourselves welcomed into my life, as I would love to get to know people outside of my tiny little town. I mean, Danielle is wonderful but come on, I need more than just ONE FRIEND!

See you all very soon!

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