True Life: I Don't Like Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Yes, you read that correctly. Hi, I'm NG, and I don't like PSLs. I have pretended long enough and it's time to come clean before a new Fall season begins. You might be thinking "you wrote about them so much last year blah blah blah," and yes, I did. I fully admit to being a poser and pretending to like the popular Fall favorite. It's the sad truth, but Pumpkin Spice Lattes are f*cking gross.

I didn't base this off an opinion from when I first tasted the overly sugary drink about two years ago. Well, I initially did, but I didn't think that was fair. My taste buds have since then greatly evolved (back then I wasn't even eating guac...I know), so I decided to give PSLs another shot (no pun intended, but I actually added another shot to my latte when I ordered it). I went to Starbucks and hesitantly strayed away from my usual black Cold Brew with a splash of Soy milk. I already regretted it as they called my name, because I was embarrassed when they called my order and I had to walk up to the counter to pick up my "double tall nonfat no-whip Pumpkin Spice Latte." Criiiinggee. That order yells basic, and although I fit the "basic" stereotype quite well with most characteristics of my life, this one didn't feel right.

(Disclaimer: that tweet was to try and be trendy. I'm done pretending. Boo PSLs!)

I waited a few minutes to take a sip, partially because I was nervous that I just threw away $5 on a coffee that would be gross, and partially because it was 90 degrees outside and I needed to cool down from my walk back to my car (I know I'm dramatic but Miami gets HOT). I was literally sweating and had 12 ounces of hot coffee waiting for me. Exciting! *eye roll*

I tasted my first sip and was again disappointed. How could something pumpkin-based be so gross? Who invented this horrible seasonal favorite? Why do people voluntarily drink this? So many questions, and zero answers. Plus, they're so bad for you, I don't even think it's worth it! You probably aren't feeling caffeinated from the coffee, but a giant sugar rush from the loads of artificial sweeteners and sugar packed into the drink.

Courtesy of Food Babe

I'm not hating on all things pumpkin; on the contrary, I love pumpkin treats! But if you can, you should really think about skipping out on the PSLs this season, and maybe just adding some pumpkin spice seasoning and cinnamon to your regular cup of coffee! My PSL Trial 2.0 only reassured me of how happy I am to not enjoy these nasty drinks. I'm happy with my black Cold Brew, and I'll treat myself to a pumpkin loaf if I have a sweet craving. 

Think before you drink (catchy, right?),

NG

So I Just Saw The Finale To "The Office"

Let me start by saying that yes, I know I'm like 100 years late. And considering I have a class at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow (side-note: anything before 9 a.m. should be illegal), I probably should be sleeping, but Netflix > sleep. So back to the point of this post: the finale of The Office. No, it's not gonna be a summary or anything like that, but the episode really got to me. There are so many lessons to be learned from this last episode. Spoiler alert: if you haven't finished the series and plan on it, don't continue reading. Or do. You're an adult. Make wise decisions. 

Anyway, let's start with relationships. Kelly and Ryan, and Angela and Dwight show us that two people who are meant to be together, will ultimately end up together, no matter what obstacles they encounter. I don't suggest abandoning your baby with a stranger, but hey, whatever works for you (joking). At the end of the episode, Pam tells us that it took her four years to take action on something that was five feet away from her every single day. We sometimes tend to not take that leap to tell someone how we feel, or do something we want to do, because we're scared of how things may turn out. It's normal to be afraid, but we have to just take that chance and go for it. There's no point in staring at something (or someone... wink wink) just five feet away from us for so long and only imagining the "what-ifs". Go get your Jim (or Pam).

Another part that made me cry (yes another, and yes cry) was when Andy says, "I wish there was a way to know you're in 'the good old days', before you've actually left them." That's when it hit me: you never really do know you're in those good old days you're going to tell your kids about, until they're years and years in the past. We don't appreciate life's little things that contribute to our story. We all have a story, and the memories we'll share in our future, whether it's to our kids, grandkids, or husband, all take place while we aren't paying attention.

The entire episode had me in nostalgic tears. I'm not sure if it's because my hormones are all over the place, or if the producers are really that good at conveying a deep message through a comedy series. I don't want to ruin more than I already have, so I'll stop here. If you haven't watched the series, please find some time each day to watch a few episodes. It truly is a great TV show. How a show filled with so many strange and awkward characters is one of my favorites, says a lot about it. And finally, Pam Beesly-Halpert said it best, "There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn't that kind of the point?" Do what you want with that quote; what may seem ordinary now may be something beautiful that you look back on.

Love always,

NG

P.S. I also cried when Michael came back and said, "that's what she said," so I really do think my hormones are f-ed up. Either that, or I'm literally deranged.