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.

Another Rant About 'Being Present' Because I Just Can't Even

Yup, it's true. I really cannot even right now. Before I begin, I wanna get one thing straight: I'm not a hypocrite. I've done everything mentioned in this post and I won't deny it. With that being said, I'll now go on with my "I hate people who are addicted to their phones" rant.

Technology is a blessing and a curse. Just twenty mere years ago, things were so different (cellphones were bricks)- I can't even imagine 50 or 100 years ago. It has brought us so many good things (like online ordering for Chipotle & Starbucks), and unfortunately a few bad things, like cyberterrorism (extreme, I know) and our lovely friends who can't sit at a restaurant or bar with us without continuously staring down at their six-inch screen (Hello!! I'm only a few inches away!! Pay attention to me, a real person!!) 

How many of you have been personally victimized by a one-sided conversation due to your best friend or sister or whoever being more invested in what's going on in his/her IPhone (or Android...) screen? *raises hand* I'm not saying I've never done that. It's 2016 and I've had a cell phone for about eight years now; I've definitely been a culprit to this annoying social crime. But it sucks, right?!

Why are we like this? Why are we all so caught up with things in a virtual world when we have great things going on right in front of us? Why are you having 100, meaningless, empty conversations, or scrolling through 75 people's photos when your best friend, or mom, or boyfriend is right in front of you? It's rude. It's a bad habit that so many people in my generation have and it needs to go away. I drove home from the movies last night with my sister in the passenger seat, and she did not put her phone down one time. The few words she did speak (to which I did not respond, because I refuse) were about a stupid Pokemon game. Total BS if you ask me. Don't mean to call you out, Sis, but come on! We've all done it, and unfortunately, I don't see it getting better in the future since technology is only evolving more and more each day.

I've written on this topic multiple times in the past and I'm writing about it again: we need to be present. Live in the moment. Tell whoever you're texting you'll talk to them later 'cause you promised your best friend a brunch date. "Like" Instagram pictures when you're home doing nothing. Tweet while you're waiting for your professor to walk into the classroom (unless something funny happens, then go ahead). We all know how utterly obnoxious it is to sit in a car, basically forced mute because your passenger doesn't give a shit about you and just wants to text other people. Or how annoying it is when you say a *funny* story over drinks and apps and whoever you're with doesn't even remember you're at the same table.

I guess just take a moment to realize how crappy it feels when you've been in that situation, and how many times you've done that to someone- even if you didn't realize it. Your phone isn't going anywhere, but the moment is. Oh I like that. Feel free to quote me. Put your phone in your bag (or your pocket if you're a man) and appreciate the moment. Appreciate life!! Whether it's a Sunday brunch, a long car ride, or Panera with a classmate in between class, give life and your friends and people the attention they deserve. Be present. I can't stress that enough. The next time you catch yourself giving your 6-inch screen more attention than your bff or your bf, take a second, click the lock button, and have a real life conversation.

I'm done ranting- for now.

NG

Before It's Too Late

I'd like to start this post by giving my deepest condolences to all of the Orlando victims and their families during this hard time. So many tragedies have occurred in a city that has been my home for two years, and it breaks my heart. Seeing text messages that some victims and survivors sent their loved ones just moments before encountering the shooter made me break down into tears. I can't imagine ever being in a situation like that, and I don't think any of us ever really think it's going to be us. Some of the victims were just in town on vacation. Others were regulars. This tragedy, along with the late Christina Grimmie and the poor young child who was attacked by an alligator, all took place in a city home to the happiest place on Earth; a city to which I owe the first half of my college experience.

Times like this make us realize that we never really do know when our last day on Earth is. I know- very cliché, but it's so true. You never think anyone you love, or yourself for that matter, is going to be the victim of a terrible crime. When these things happen, we pray and send our condolences, and move on with our lives exactly the way they were. In a way, I guess that's good. We can't live in fear every day and sometimes all we can do is pray for peace.

So, I know we hear it every day, and more than once a day after something terrible happens in our country, but don't ever hold back on letting someone know you love them. It's silly, I get it. We hear it all the time, but I can't stress how important this is. Whether it's your mom, your best friend, or your partner- stop right now to give them a call and tell them you love them. I'm sure they know, but remind them. Remind your grandparents, your parents, and your siblings. Your boyfriend, your girlfriend, and honestly, drink half a bottle of wine and shoot your ex a text and let them know. Unless they suck. Then don't.

We're human. We crave affection and want to be loved by others. We live in a dangerous world, and I sometimes wish I was blinded from all the terrible things going on in our society.  I'll never forget not being allowed to watch the news when I was a little girl because my mom thought it was too scary for my sister and I. With all this being said, please please please don't hold back on telling people how you feel. Tell someone when they make you smile, and tell someone when they ticked you off so you can work things out. There isn't time to hold grudges in a world that can unfortunately take away the ones we love in the blink of an eye.

Love always,

NG


Below is a list of all the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Take a moment today to read through this list, and say a quick prayer to whoever watches over you up there. Or just take a moment of silence if you don't believe in any of that. The world lost 49 beautiful souls. Rest in peace:

Stanley Almodovar III, Amanda Alvear, Oscar A Aracena-Montero, Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, Antonio Davon Brown, Darryl Roman Burt II, Angel L. Candelario-Padro, Juan Chevez-Martinez, Luis Daniel Conde, Cory James Connell, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, Leroy Valentin Fernandez, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Paul Terrell Henry, Frank Hernandez, Miguel Angel Honorato, Javier Jorge-Reyes, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, Christopher Andrew Leinonen, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, Kimberly Morris, Akyra Monet Murray, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Enrique L. Rios, Jr., Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, Edward Sotomayor Jr., Shane Evan Tomlinson, Martin Benitez Torres, Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, Luis S. Vielma, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Jerald Arthur Wright.

Swarming Out Of The Beyhive

In light of Beyoncé's concert tonight in Miami, I thought she'd be a good topic of conversation. I want to start this post by stating that I understand many of you will disagree and roll your eyes at me, but I do feel like many people will come to agree with me as well. As a 20 year old girl, I've grown up listening to Beyoncé, whether it was through Destiny's Child or her solo career. Survivor is still one of my all time favorite songs, and Say My Name will never, ever get old. I remember singing along to Irreplaceable with my mom and sister on our way home from school, and I will sing Drunk In Love at the top of my lungs once a day as I have for the past two years. None of that is changing. What is changing, though, is my opinion on and the way I have always seen a woman who has given girls across the world someone to look up to for so many years.

Let's start with Bey's Black Panther-esque Super Bowl performance. I know we are in a time of racism and fighting for Human Rights, but I felt that was a bit offensive, considering the millions of white fans who have always supported Beyonce. I am not turning this into a race thing, because the violence in our country against innocent black people has been ridiculously high- but ALL lives matter, not just white lives or black lives. Every single person's life in this world matters. Bey's performance belittled her non-black fans and she has no reason to make her supporters feel that way. I want to listen to her music and feel empowered, not belittled. Obviously this issue blew over because America and Football and what's more important than that in February? (My birthday but whatever).

We know Beyoncé to be a huge feminist in our society today. Her whole Flawless album had so many positive messages about standing up for yourself and not taking shit from any man (and by man I mean boy). The #IWokeUpLikeThis movement is great and it gives me even more of a reason to not wear makeup, and it also gives us another reason to post selfies, as if us girls needed any more. Now, I am speaking from what I have heard and read on the Internet, because I don't have Tidal or Spotify accounts to listen to her newly released album, Lemonade (it couldn't have been released on Apple Music?? *eye roll* ). Apparently, the entire album is about Jay-Z cheating on her and her warning him to never do it again. From previous knowledge (see: Irreplaceable lyrics), we know that if anything like this happened, all of Jay-Z's things would be in a "box to the left" and she'd be out of there like yesterday's news. So this leaves us with one of two things: either Lemonade is not about Jay-Z cheating, or 99% of what Bey has taught us about being strong women is BS when situations get tough. Hopefully it's the former, but we don't know for sure.

Why would that upset me about Beyoncé? Simple. Everyone's relationship is different, and it is ultimately up to you whether you want to stay with someone who cheated on you. Circumstances are different and no one can know what's right except for you. The issue that bothers me is that we've grown up listening to Beyonce sing and speak about not allowing that, and then she goes and takes it from Jay. Hypocritical or situational? That's why I'm hoping all the issues brought up in Lemonade are not necessarily about her and Jay, but anything else. Perhaps her mother and father's marital problems? Issues with her ex-boyfriend? (Read more here).

I can't continue to be utterly obsessed with a woman who has been so controversial lately, and frankly racist. I can't feel the same about an artist who I once loved that thinks less of me because I am white. I don't agree with many of her views lately, which is sad because I always thought I'd love Bey forever. She is still a beautiful woman and she always will be. I'm still going to dance to her songs when they play, but my opinion on her has changed greatly from what it used to be. Oh, and who cares who Becky with good hair is? Move on with your lives please.

With love, always,

NG

P.S. I know some of you will not agree with some of the things I said about race and think that I have some sort of white privilege, but that's not the case. Non-whites can be racist too, and our beloved Bey is walking down that path. If you have any issues, please message me privately and I'd be happy to have a civil conversation or discussion with you. If you're going to attack me, just save your energy and handle your inability to listen to someone else's opinion elsewhere. 

There Are Two Sides To Every Green Juice

My generation amuses me greatly. As a borderline (I say borderline because my friends and I just turned 20, but I think we identify more with Millennials than our younger counterparts) Millennial, I encounter so many different opinions on life every day. They range from Trump supporters (gag), Bernie supporters (not feelin' the "bern"), people who refuse to wear deodorant, and people who I went to high school with that are having kids (I can't sustain the life of a few flowers, how do you do it?).

My favorite idea, though, is the new phase of "going green." Yes, I am a strong supporter for eating organic and non-GMO, but I think it's funny seeing Millennials preaching about their healthy, yoga filled, infused water bottle life on social media, and then downing a bottle of Grey Goose every Friday and Saturday night. We refuse to drink soda with our kale salad for lunch, but it's no big deal to have a vodka sprite or a few Corona's on our weekends downtown. Why? I'm not saying I'm not guilty of any of this, but I do wonder what makes this acceptable. I am a victim of drinking green juices during the week, but you can catch me with a Stella Artois in my hand at happy hour. I won't eat McDonald's for lunch on a Tuesday, but I'll eat half a Papa Johns large pizza after a night out. We're all victim to this double life, but why? Does the healthy weekly lifestyle balance out the toxins we ingest on the weekend? I sadly don't think it works that way, as much as I'd like to think it does. Our generation refuses to order a coke with their dinner, yet single handedly drinks their own bottle of champagne while out on the town. I'm not ridiculing, I just find it amusing. We try to convince people to eat organic and non-GMO foods, but what we decide to do on the weekends suddenly doesn't apply to that rule.

I think social media plays a huge role in this funny hypocrisy that we've all grown to love. Take me, for example. I posted a picture of my delicious fruit bowl, but didn't include the slice of pizza I ate a few hours before. Everyone wants to appear "trendy" online and wants everyone to know about their Saturday morning yoga class *namaste*, but not about their Sunday morning struggle to reach the Gatorade bottle on their night stand after a fun night. This just further proves my point that people only post what they want you to see. Social media is not real, nor will it ever be.

The next time you're feeling down because Jenny posted a picture of her avocado toast on wheat bread, just know she probably had chocolate chip pancakes on the side. Continue your healthy habits; they aren't detrimental to you at all. Always choose brown foods over white foods, and make sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables. Just don't try to be something you're not. And yes, the majority of the time, there really are two sides to every green juice snap chat your bff sends you.

Your favorite quinoa (and extra-cheese pizza) loving writer,

NG

20 Things I've Learned By 20

With my twentieth birthday just a few days away, I've been reflecting on the past twenty years of my *awesome* self being on this Earth. Although the lessons and values I have learned are countless, here are a few that I think are worth sharing. 

1. Don't wish bad things upon anyone. God (or whoever you believe in, or karma) is always watching, and when you wish that your little sister's princess hairbrush would break, yours will fall out of your hands a few minutes later and crack in half.

2. Always eat breakfast. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it is with reason. Try adding some food to your typical coffee and I promise you'll notice your day a tad bit better. Oatmeal and some fruit is always a great option, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

3. Be there for people when you say you will be. It doesn't matter if you haven't spoken to someone in months, if they need you, be their shoulder to lean on. 

4. Listen to your mom. It sucks, but unfortunately, she is usually right. 

5. Do not trust easily. As much as I want to believe that everyone is good in the world, many are not. Be careful who you trust (it's 2016... we can screenshot things). It's sad, but people don't always have your best interest at heart. 

6. Don't hold grudges. They aren't worth it, and they're probably giving you premature wrinkles. 

7. Three friends are better than ten. And before I leave it at that, make sure to cut out extra fat from your social circle. Giant squads are so 2013 (unless you're Taylor Swift... there's always an exception).

8. As much as you don't want to admit it, you will eventually turn into your mother. All those annoying habits of hers you make fun of? They'll sneak their way into your daily routines before you know it. 

9. Stay away from Bacardi Hurricane. 

10. If you wouldn't want your daughter/son doing something, don't do it. 

11. Love easily. Tear down the brick wall you have been building up and allow the right person to grow alongside you. It may take some time and it may be different for everyone. Just always open your heart. 

12. You aren't going to know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you walk down the stage and receive your high school diploma. It takes time, and that's okay. 

13. Save your money for things you want to spend them on. And I suggest these things be experiences. Want to sky dive? Have you always wanted to go to a certain music festival? Want to go on a trip with your best friends? Save. It feels good to be able to spend the money you earned on an experience rather than a material thing. You may think nice things make you happy, but in the end it's the vacations, concerts, and adventurous experiences that will fulfill your happiness. 

14. Disney World is always fun.

15. Never pass up an opportunity to see a play. 

16. Take advantage of family vacations, because you will soon be a poor college graduate who can barely afford a stay-cation on the beach. 

17. Take pictures. I can't stress how important having those memories will be to you when you're older. 

18. A wine night in can be just as fun (or more fun) than a wild night at a club. The club will always be there, but the genuine conversations you will have with whomever you're staying in with won't always come around. 

19. Work hard. Not only in school, but in everything you do. In work, your relationship, your friendships, and when you try and make a Pinterest meal. Always work hard and don't take the easy way out. It pays off in the end. 

20. No matter how badly you think you've messed up, and no matter how bad of a mistake you think you have made, those who truly love you and care about you will always be there for you. Through thick and thin, through the ups and downs, unconditional love will never betray you. My parents have shown me that and I hope to one day show that to someone. 

Like I said, I'm only turning 20. I have waaay more things to learn ahead of me, and I'm exited to do so. I'm looking forward to making this a year for growth, happiness, and prosperity alongside the people who mean the most to me. And I'm going to start that by eating pounds of cake and other treats throughout my birthday weekend (because a day isn't enough). 

Blessings, 

Birthday Princess NG

New Year, Better Me

The start of a new year. What a bittersweet time, isn't it? Everyone is happy to have a clean slate and make changes in their lives, but at the same time, all the fun memories and experiences of the previous year are left behind in our photo albums and Instagram feeds. Most of us are starting new classes, with the mindset of getting straight A's, and some of us are returning to our same old routine (work...high school...talk about excitement!).

Every year, everyone starts the new year off by saying "new year, new me". Why? You're yourself for so many reasons; don't change who you are just because it's a new year (and we all know after three weeks of trying to be a "new you," you're going to return to your same old *awesome* self). Don't be drastic and try to change who you are as a person. That's ridiculous. The new year should be a time for self-betterment. Don't become a new person, but a better version of yourself.

What does that mean? Simple. Think of bad habits you've been wanting to get rid of, and come up with a plan to help you do it for the long run. Whether its smoking, using your phone too much, or biting your nails- it isn't going to go away with a sudden cut-off (hello, withdrawals). Try and implant a system to help you actually follow through with it. Want to become healthier? Find a way that fits into your personal lifestyle. Not everyone has time to go to the gym every day. Replace white foods with brown foods and reduce the amount of soda you drink. After a few weeks, you won't even crave it anymore.

Too many people are caught up with becoming a new person when a new year arrives, and I feel like that's why a lot of New Year's resolutions fail after a few weeks or months. We have to focus on bettering ourselves, even with the smallest things. Once we make those changes, we'll slowly but surely feel like new people. Take the start of 2016 to focus on being more present. Put down your phone when you're spending time with people and give them your undivided attention. Your relationships will grow and you will appreciate people's presence more.

Happy New Year to everyone. May 2016 bring you health, happiness, and anything else you may need. Be grateful each day for even the smallest of blessings (like weather below 70 in Florida), and remind the people you love that you in fact do love them, even if you forget to tell them at times. Remember that people and experiences will ultimately make you the happiest, not material things that you will forget about in a few months.

Love always,

NG