An Open Letter To Anyone Afraid To Love

A year ago today, I would have never thought my life would be the way it is right now. If you know me, you'd know I was an avid "forever alone" and emotionless person when it came to all things "relationship". My best friends all had boyfriends, and as much as I love them, I'd gag whenever they said how much they loved or missed their significant other. I'd ask them how they could possibly talk to someone all day (which I still don't get...but whatever) and not go crazy. I guess you could say I was afraid of love. 

I never really thought about it until now. I was scared to start liking a stupid boy (yes, they're all stupid) just to have my heart broken. I don't know why I thought that; everyone else seemed to be having fun jumping from relationship to relationship all through high school... and then there was me, single NG (sidenote: I gave a ton of *great* relationship advice to everyone for being the only single friend). I'm not complaining; everything happens for a reason and I had an amazing time with all my friends being the official third wheel. 

Love isn't something we should be scared of; it should excite us. I never thought I'd act the way I do around a guy but hey, people change. I've literally turned into one of those annoying people who call their boyfriend "muffin" and "blueberry" and I just can't with myself. It's sickening (in a cute, I-don't-want-to-admit-it kind of way). 

I guess I just want to tell anyone out there who may feel the same way I felt that they shouldn't be scared to love. If you think someone could be good for you, give it a try. Don't be scared to get into a relationship because of what may (or may not) happen. Life is about taking chances and whatever is meant to be, will be. Just go for it. I did, and I've never been happier. I've never had a boyfriend so I don't really know what I'm doing, but it's fun learning as time goes by. You'll grow as a person and who knows, you may actually like the non single version of yourself a lot more than you thought you would. And if you're afraid to love because of a previous relationship, I have some advice: it gets better. Don't let your past hold you back from making your future better and brighter. 

Lots of love,

NG

Yes this is a cheesy quote but whatever. Enjoy it. Live it. Love it. 

VMA Recap

I'm not sure whether missing the VMAs last night would be considered a blessing or a curse. If you weren't able to watch the two hour award show on MTV last night, you definitely missed out on a lot. Now, whether you're relieved about that is up to you.

Let's start off with Miley. I'm not really sure why MTV thought it would be a good idea for Miley Cyrus to host. Her outfits, or lack of, throughout the night were utterly horrible. She opened the night looking like one of my old Betty Spaghetti dolls & managed to have a nip slip before the show was over. Also, if you didn't already know, she's an avid marijuana smoker. She made sure to let everyone know at least ten times every minute (exaggerating, but basically true). To top off the night, she ended the show by performing her new song "Dooo It!" which consists of lyrics saying "Yeah I smoke pot/ Yeah I love peace/ But I don't give a f*ck/ I ain't no hippie." By the way, incase anyone is still a Miley fan, her album "Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz" is available for free (I doubt anyone would pay money for that). If anyone actually risks losing brain cells by listening to it, please let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear about it.

Feuds. We all love them. Fortunately, there was no Meek Mill vs. Drake drama going on last night because I'm pretty sure everyone is soo over that. It's so two weeks ago. Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj had a surprise performance together, which I'm assuming was to let everyone know that their recent Twitter fight is out the door. Although Nicki may be over the T-Swift drama, she doesn't seem to feel that way about Miley. While accepting her Moon Man for best hip-hop video, she called out Miley for some things she had said in an interview last week (#heat).

Kanye West. I'll try to keep it short and sweet, unlike his Vanguard Award acceptance speech. After just standing on stage for what seemed like an eternity soaking in his applause, he finally began his "speech". I'm a 19 year old college student and I could have delivered a better speech than Kanye did. I don't even know what he was saying for the ten minutes he was speaking. Whoever was cheering was definitely trying to get on his good side, because there's no way anyone understood anything. He brought up his 2009 Taylor Swift incident and it kind of-sort of seemed like he was going to apologize, but he didn't. It was just ten minutes of my life and brain space wasted. Oh, and supposedly Yeezy is running for president in 2020. #Kayne2020? I'm fleeing the country if that's the case.

Pros of missing last night's show: you're probably a lot smarter than anyone who watched them because you saved about 100 brain cells. Cons: you might be totally lost in the celeb world, and you missed super sexy performances by J Biebs and The Weeknd.

Much Love,

NG

P.S. Here's a link to Justin Bieber's "What Do You Mean?" music video that everyone is talking about! *insert heart eyes emoji*

Midnight Rant

I've come to notice that a lot of people nowadays hold back on what they want to say. They feel as if they'll be judged or ridiculed for having their own opinion, when in reality we should really be speaking our minds. I'm not necessarily talking about anything in specific. On the contrary- there are so many things that need to be said in the world that are simply left unsaid, behind the fear of ridicule and being ignored. So many people in our world live by the common phrase "be the change you wish to see in the world" (me being one of them), but I find that difficult to do in a society that judges you so much for simply having your own opinion.

By talking about different things and situations that you deem necessary to speak about, you encounter people who have the same beliefs as you, and together you can possibly make a difference or greatly contribute towards whatever that cause/idea/feeling may be. Maybe its on a large scale; maybe it's the just growth between you and another individual person. Whatever you think needs to be said (rational things, hopefully), go ahead and say it. Don't be afraid of what the people around you might think. Chances are, someone wants to say what you said but just didn't know how to.

The fact that it's already the last week of July 2015 says a lot. Time goes by faster than we seem to think it does. Tomorrow might be too late to say what you wanted to say today. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that nothing should stop us from expressing how we feel. There are so many platforms available to us to help us speak our minds and express ourselves, and I don't feel as if everyone is taking advantage of them. I was once stumped by the question, "Would you rather not say something and regret not saying it, or say something and regret it afterwards," and I think I've recently found my answer. If you never speak up, you'll never know what could have happened. I don't know about you, but I hate living with unchangeable "what ifs" in my life. If worst comes to worse and you say something that doesn't go as planned, life goes on and at least you made an effort.

Speak your mind without the fear of people around you judging you. The people who actually mean something to you won't be the ones judging you, it'll be the irrelevants (I don't think that's a real noun but we'll pretend) who wish they had something meaningful and un-rude to do with their lives that will be. Ok I'm done with my midnight rant... for now. It'll probably continue on the twittersphere.

NG

P.S. Keep up with me even when I'm not blogging by following me on Twitter at @nicki_gee!

Bruce or Caitlyn- Who Cares?

I want to start this post off by saying that it is not a post about Bruce Jenner becoming Caitlyn Jenner. Although that is the main drive behind this post, I don't feel like shoving my opinions and thoughts down your throats like everyone else seems to be doing. I have my point of view, and I really do not care whether you feel the same as I do. Whether you agree or disagree, support or are against her actions is up to you. I'm sure you have your valid reasons for having your specific point of view. As I like to say, you do you.

Now that that's out of the way, I want to direct this post to those individuals who unrightfully think they can insult others for disagreeing with them. There is no right or wrong in this situation; it is simply how you feel about it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. For those of you who don't remember what an opinion is, dictionary.com defines it as "a belief or judgement that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty" or "a personal view, attitude, or appraisal". Basically, you have an opinion based on what/how you think about a certain situation. It is not concrete- therefore, an opinion can neither be right nor wrong. 

I don't think it's right for people to be called "ignorant" and "disgusting" just because their views differ from others. Caitlyn Jenner is, and always will be a controversial topic, and not everyone is going to be on the same page. While it is not right at all to degrade her and her decision to become a woman, it also isn't right to insult people who do not agree with the situation at hand. I'm tired of people trying to shove their viewpoints down others' throats through social media. People can agree, or people can disagree. It's a great big world, especially on the Internet. Have your opinion and and don't judge/ridicule others for having theirs. 

I consider myself a liberal person. I'm open to new ideas and changes that come with the modernizing world. Caitlyn Jenner is still weird to me, considering I've been watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians for years- with Bruce being one of my favorite characters (alongside Scott, of course). I frankly don't care what she does. Good for her for making a change in her life she felt necessary. At the end of the day, it does not affect my life (and probably not yours) at all. 

Keep it hate free,

NG

How To Order At Chipotle In 3 Easy Steps

I know what you're thinking- "Just get in line and order...duh." And yes, technically, I guess you could do that. But, you'd probably just do it wrong and waste your time, energy, and money. There are a few easy steps to ensure you get the most out of what you're paying for. Here they are:

1. Mentally prepare to wait in an extremely long line.
I've never, ever, been to Chipotle and not had to wait in line. Right when they open, ten minutes before closing, and any time in between, there is going to be a line. If you have the mobile app (I do), you could order ahead, but I feel like they kiiiinda rip you off. Them not having to look you in the eye as you order tends to lead to a shortage on the ingredients. So just don't go to Chipotle if you're in any kind of rush. Not worth the stress/anxiety.... fine maybe it is.

2. Order a bowl. Always. 
You like tacos? Order a bowl. You're a burrito kind of person? Order a bowl. Unless you're weird and you get quesadillas at Chipotle (sorry not sorry), always order a bowl. By ordering a bowl, you get double the amount of food than you do in a burrito- and like, a thousand times more food than if you order tacos. Also ask for it "to-go"- even if you're eating it there. The lids are useful for mixing up your fabulous creation of goodness. Get your bowl, fill it up with all the yummy ingredients you want, and ask for your burrito/taco tortillas on the side. They're free. That way, you can make two full burritos (one for now- one for when you get home from going out), as many tacos as you want, and still have some delish bowl left to your enjoyment. Side note: make sure you get enough sour cream so your bowl kind of turns into a dip. This will be handy in the next step.

3. Get chips.
It's not a waste of money. Chipotle chips are soooo good and they go perfectly with your food. It's also awesome to dip them in your bowl, or guac if you're into that. And yes, Chipotle employees, we know the guac is extra.

Now that I've given you my advice on how to order at Chipotle, I hope you take it to heart. I know a lot of you already do this, so maybe share this with your parents. They don't seem to understand. I just feel bad for people who don't get bowls. What's your deal anyway? Happy eating- I'm going to go into my food coma right about now.

Chipotle Lover & Advocate,

NG

An Open Letter To My Best Friends

Before I get into anything, I want to start by saying that I have the best friends in the entire world. You guys are amazing and I'd probably be a different girl today without you. Being that you're all together back home and I'm currently roaming the sidewalks of school, I thought this would be a great time to thank you guys.

Thank you for being my friends with open arms as soon as we started high school. For helping me with Bio homework freshman year, AP World homework sophomore year, AP Environmental Science homework junior year, and Calc homework senior year. For being not only good influences academically, but all around. My rebel ways might have gotten the best of me without you. Thank you for covering for me on multiple occasions, in school and out. For warning me when there was a cellphone check in high school.

Thank you for being loyal Instagram likers. Thank you for not judging me (as much as you should) when I take a thousand selfies. For dealing with NG when we go out on Friday nights. For loving NG and her conceited personality. Thank you for driving me to McDonald's or Taco Bell after a night out. Those calories are better with you guys by my side. For always being down to hang out at my place or get ice cream when there's nothing to do.

Thank you for always being honest with me, even if it was difficult. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you most. Thank you for sticking with me these past five years, no matter what happened. For making the best out of all the shitty situations we've experienced. For finding a way to make me laugh when I cry, even if it's by insulting me. For holding my hair in certain situations (we've all been there). For dealing with me complain about boys almost every day of my life. And most importantly, for always letting me third-wheel when I was home alone with nothing to do. 

Although I'll see you soon, I wanted to take a few minutes out of my day to let you know I appreciate you with every piece of my heart and soul- even if I seem annoyed by you. I love you all tons, and thank you for being fabulous. I can't wait to see what life has in store for us.

WP 4 ever,

NG

It's Time For Change #FedUp

I don't even know where to begin. If you know me (my mom used to get annoyed, she's used to it now), you know that I've been a big supporter of eating non-GMO foods for about three years now (thanks to my junior year AP Environmental Science teacher). We've all seen the movies- Fast Food Nation, Food Inc., Super-Size Me, etc. These movies really affected how I felt about inorganic meat and fast food, but unfortunately, it isn't as easy as it seems to make a change. 

This past week, I came across a documentary on Netflix called Fed Up. Unlike the other films, this one is focused on childhood obesity in America. My jaw was dropped throughout the entire movie. Of course I knew obesity was a huge epidemic across the country, and of course I knew Type II diabetes was becoming more and more prevalent among kids. It was just so shocking to learn the harsh truth that although it seems as if our government wants to help us out, they really don't care. Yes, some political figures, such as Michelle Obama, have started to advocate for healthy eating, but that isn't enough. As long as unhealthy foods are being produced, sold, and consumed, they're making tons of money (duh). 

Sugar is a GIANT issue within American eating habits. As most of us know, sugar is absorbed so quickly in our bodies that our livers and pancreases have no other option but to release insulin and turn all that excess glucose into fat- for storage purposes. One can of soda contains over 100% of the daily allowance of sugar. HOW are we allowing this into our bodies as if it's water? Another fact that shocked me was that although a product is "reduced fat" and contains fewer calories, it still contains the same amount of sugar as the non reduced fat product. Processed foods contain so much added sugar that it seems as if there is no escaping it. Studies show that in the near future, 95% of Americans will be overweight or obese. I don't know about you, but those percentages don't sound too enticing. 

We need to stop buying foods with added sugar and begin to eat healthily. Not for one month. Diets don't work. We need to eat healthy every day- forever. There's no getting around it. Instead of eating granola bars which contain so much high fructose corn syrup (sugar), we can eat natural nuts with bits of dark chocolate. Instead of regular pasta, eat whole-grain pasta (I promise it tastes the same). Cut out soda from your diet. Studies show that soda and sugary beverages (sports drinks, juices) are as addictive as cocaine. People have the same withdrawal symptoms when taken off coke (the drug) as when cut off from coke (the soda). Same name... creeeepy. Coincidence? I think not...ok maybe.

I also want to send a message to all the people who are fortunate enough to eat whatever the heck they want and still rock a six pack (shout out to my best friend). Doctors have found that although you are skinny on the outside, you might as well be obese by the way your insides look. Obesity isn't at the hand of the individual and we have to stop blaming them. A person could watch how many calories they intake and exercise every day, and still not lose any weight. It isn't about calories- it's about what is inside every piece of food we consume. Like the film mentions, imagine if soda cans had a label on them like cigarettes do, warning you about the extremely detrimental effects about drinking it. It really puts things into perspective. 

I know this was a long post, and I really hope you took the time to read it. There's so much more information that I feel everyone should know that I couldn't include on here or it would be considered a research paper. If you aren't convinced that we need change by this, take two hours of your day to watch Fed Up on Netflix. We can't wait for the next person to make a change- we have to do it ourselves. If every individual person decides to make this positive change in their life, it will turn into hundreds, and then thousands. 

I'm fed up, are you?

NG