*knocks* Anyone there?

*insert hey, how you doing gif of your preference*

How long has it been? *counts with her fingers* oh. Two years. I haven’t written here in TWO YEARS???

(also what in the world is happening with the post editor? I have no idea what I’m do– *inhales, exhales* Okay. I can handle this.*)

What is this post even about? I have no idea but we’ll figure it out on the run. If you follow this blog you’re probably a twitter follower so you probably know what’s up. (Who am I kidding? No one reads this anymore lol)

However, I wanted to give an update. I feel like I forgot about this blog for years and it’s not fair to me and what I wanted to do, which was to document?? my journey to wherever I am going?

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I’m a (licensed) pharmacist!

… or I have been, since October 2021.

Where did I leave you? *thinks* Oh. It’s been a while. I was just starting my APPEs (in case you forgot, this stands for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences). Most of them ended up being remote, but I had two experiences in community which ended up useful to find a job, which means, (spoiler) yes. I ended up in retail. (But the biggest surprise is that I did land a job!)

I survived, graduated, passed my NAPLEX (waiting for my results took way too long but whatever) and now I am licensed.

(4) passed my boards, earned my license! pic.twitter.com/MqM0lOBrls

— natalie 🧣 (@fearlesslynat) December 31, 2021

I did apply for a residency, but it didn’t work, cried a little but I’m okay now 🙂

Anywho, I got an internship on a community setting, worked as a licensed pharmacist there for 7 months, and now I am about to be a *breathes* pharmacy manager. (Who am I? I always said I wouldn’t ever do this, but I’m kind of excited to take this challenge. And to finally wear scrubs again!) I took a bit of a vacation time which means I have time to talk to you *insert Joe Goldberg gif HERE*.

So… There’s the professional update! Obviously that took literal two years so if you have any questions about applying for the NAPLEX or whatever, I’m here.

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Reading?

*shakes head already* To be fair, not much. I have been rereading the Throne of Glass books because it’s been a while and I wanted to remember what it felt to read those plot twists, and I miss all of these characters. Sadly, I’m on Book #1 and I want to see Rowan again. This will take a while.

I didn’t have time to read much (or do much? to be fair) at my former job because of my schedule, so I’m looking forward to being able to read more.

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Watching?

hm. So I’ve been watching Spy x Family because I haven’t had an original thought in my life.

I made my mom and my best friend start watching and get obsessed with it and it has been one of the best experiences ever. None of them are habitual anime watchers but somehow this story appeals to them. (I’m also up to date with the manga translation but I keep getting surprised with the anime. I love this story will all my heart <3)

I’ve also been watching Westworld because of my love for Ben Barnes (this was a short lived affair) and because of my bestie ❤ (Okay, the story is also great, but he was my main motivation)

As for Kdramas, I haven’t been watching much! (help, who am I?) except for Again My Life, and I’m anxiously waiting for ADAMAS. (Remember my love for Ji Sung?)

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Hi, if somehow you’re here, I’m glad. This was basically an exercise to see if I could somehow still do this. And I think I can? (And of course, now that I’ll have time to myself, perhaps I’ll even post about movies/books/tv shows/music again)

I don’t know if anyone is reading, but this somehow feels like a new season in my life. New characters and plot, and yet, I haven’t felt more like myself. Let’s hope I can finally find the life I always wanted to live ❤

This somehow also felt like an answer to my first ever post.

I want to keep track of what I’m becoming, and to have a record I can visit when I’m doubtful of my choices and my future.

hello, world.– my first ever blog post

Thank you for reading, let’s see each other again;

Nat ^.^

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One More Catch-Up Post

hi, I guess I’m back. I literally wrote an 800-word post last April, but I could not bring myself to post it. It was about my trip to Spain and about the beginnings of the pandemic but posting about it felt… wrong. I guess I can share it at some point, but now? I don’t feel like it (sorry). If you want to see pictures, though, you can go to my instagram or see this tweet:

a couple of pictures from my trip. (Shout-out to the grumpy guy photo bombing the last one) pic.twitter.com/26sC3xgUAA

— natalie (@fearlesslynat) March 2, 2020

My trip to Spain started when there were about 100 cases, and when I left there were more than 300. Although it was foolish to travel at the time, it was fun and unforgettable. When we came back, we had to go to uni for about a week until lockdown started (no quarantine required back then. Whoa) and things became the way they are now. And that’s all I’ll say about the trip, sadly. *cries*

I guess this post will be kind of an update? We’ll figure it out as we go.

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What’s new?

I’m a bit more than halfway through my first APPE rotation, Ambulatory Care, at an OBGYN office. You may ask, what is a pharmacy student doing at a doctor’s office? (Believe me, I asked the same thing too.) We’ve been taking vitals, interviewing patients and discussing cases and treatments. It is definitely a nice way to start my 7 rotations.

We’ve been following protocols, sanitizing the areas every time we meet patients and wearing face-shields. I’ve also been tested. (And will get tested again next Monday). This doesn’t mean it’s not scary working and being so close to patients once or twice a week. (This is also an adjustment my preceptor made: We don’t work at the clinic every day. However, we meet on Zoom to discuss cases.) But this is what I’ve wanted to do for years. Pharmacists are on the front lines, don’t you ever forget that. 🙂

My next rotation will be remote, sadly, but I know I’ll learn a lot. Plus, the one after that will (finally) be at a community pharmacy. I’m SO looking forward to that. “What about hospitals?” You may ask. It’s a bit difficult for students to work at hospitals right now. Even my current rotation was originally supposed to include visits to the operating room, and we lost that. 😦

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What else can I say? I miss a lot of life before COVID, I miss my friends and sometimes I feel like this is just a dream where I can’t bring myself to wake up. This is all so weird, and I can’t say I have completely gotten used to it. But this is our new reality for the time being. Which is to say PLEASE STAY HOME and if you don’t, WEAR A DAMN MASK. It’s not so hard. Things are tough and will get even more difficult… Please stay safe, my friends.

I’ll try to be back sooner rather than later *peace sign*

2019: The one post to cover it all.

I guess this is my last post of the decade (unless you’re like the RAE and believe the decade ends on December 31, 2020. If it is, oh, well. *shrugs*)

Thought a yearly recap (and kind of an update) was needed (by me, not everyone else :D)

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Last year was definitely better for a number of reasons *cough* Taylor Swift, driving. However, nice things ALSO happened this year.

Since I blew off the chance of writing different posts (because I’ve been reading The Witcher 👀 sorry, Pat. This is Lee’s fault) this is going to be a relatively long one. Buuuuuut, I’ll divide the post on different parts. If you’re interested in my life (wHY) that’s the first one, right here. If you want to read about my favorite books this year (it was uneventful- a LOT of romance) that’s the second one. You’ll see it. If you want to know about my favorite shows, that’s all the way to the end.

I hope you enjoy this post! ❤

So… First of all: Stuff that happened to me this year.

2018 was a bit more eventful but I did enjoy 2019 a lot.

• Traveled with friends (twice) I already talked about this, but these experiences are some of the best I’ve had in my life.
  • I traveled to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with by best friend (tried Butterbeer and loved it! Almost cried seeing Hogwarts for the first time!)
  • I also went on a cruise with friends which was something I never thought I would actually do. 
• Finished my Goodreads reading challenge 30 books, and PROUD.

GUYS pic.twitter.com/02TJ69tjB4

— natalie (@fearlesslynat) December 14, 2019

• Learned how to dose insulin Okay I know this is like… required for my profession, but I wanted to know how that worked and now I do and I’m so proud.
• Remember how I said on a tweet that I had accepted my hair (on 2017?) That was a lie THIS is the year when I accepted my curly hair as it is.
• Booked a trip to Spain!!!! with my friends next year. EXPECT LOTS OF PICTURES. I’m finally going to travel out of this continent!
• Practiced at a hospital (and loved it) And if I don’t end up working at a hospital at some point of my life, I’ll be so sad.
• Watched two musicals live. Hamilton (WITH LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA!!!) was pure perfection and I’m sure I’ll never forget this experience.
• Anastasia has been my favorite musical for so long and the fact that I got to watch it with friends was even better.
• Painted my room!!!! I’m aware this isn’t as exciting as the other stuff on the list but it actually means, guys… that we’ll probably move next month. I don’t want to jinx it but !!!!!!!!!

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As for books:

My top 10 is as it follows: I read A LOT of romance this year, and it shows. Some of the books weren’t released this year but still, here it is!

• Red White and Royal Blue: This book became so special to me in so little time. I believe it will be one of the books I’ll read every year, along with Graceling (WHICH I DIDN’T READ THIS YEAR HELP 😭)
• Kingdom of Exiles: I already said what I would say about this book. IT WAS SO GOOD and I can’t wait for the next one.
• Geekerella: Ashley Poston is the queen of the fangirl books and I vow to spread the gospel (aka her books)
• Her Royal Highness: I needed something that healed my Red, White and Royal Blue- hole in my heart. This wasn’t quite it, but close. This story was so CUTE and I do wish I could read more of these books. (please?)
• The Hating Game: You can already tell, right? Enemies-to-lovers is my JAM. So this book was something I was eye-ing for a while. And the payoff was WORTH IT PLEASE GIVE ME MORE OF THEM.
• A Prince on Paper: Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series, aka one of the series that surprised me. I couldn’t stop reading!
• Heart of Iron: I’ve told you. Anastasia? My obsession. A sci-fi Anastasia retelling written by one of my favorite authors ever? Yup. It’s time. READ IT. Ana + Di = Nat’s OTP.
• I Wish You All The Best: Ever since Mason Deaver said they were writing this book on Twitter, I knew I needed it. It was ALL I ever wanted and more. Ben and Nathan’s story was so cute and important and I can’t wait for what’s next. ❤
• Get a Life, Chloe Brown: Same as the last one, I’d been waiting for its release ever since it was announced. The CUTENESS and the story made me want to read more and more about these characters. ❤
• The Reckoning of Noah Shaw: I can’t believe this book ended up on this list. However, Noah Shaw has a way into my mind and heart and this book’s ranking is proof.

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My TV show journey!

So… I watched sooooome shows on 2019, here are some of my favorites, divided in categories because I wouldn’t be able to choose otherwise:

K-dramas (Because of course!)

I won’t discuss the plots because the post is too long as it is, but you can @ me anytime!

Side note: While writing this I realized there was kind of a pattern on the dramas I enjoyed: Most of them were about women with power and that was AMAZING.

1. Search: WWW

I must admit, this one took me by surprise. I watched it because I loved Lee Da Hee on The Beauty Inside and also because I enjoyed Im-Soo-jung’s performance on Chicago Typewriter. However, it genuinely surprised me, and I frankly couldn’t wait until the evening after my practices, when I would be able to sit down and watch these women’s amazing story.

2. Hotel del Luna 

I missed IU since I watched Scarlet Heart: Ryeo and she did NOT disappoint. (also, her music this year? PERFECTION. But that’s not what we’re discussing here) Although there were many similarities with Goblin, Man-weol as a character managed to be both hilarious and heartbreaking. I can’t wait to watch it again.

3. Graceful Family

Look, my mom had to literally sit me down for me to watch this one. But once I started it, I literally couldn’t stop watching. Good thing was that I watched it slowly, and by the time I was about to finish it, all the episodes were out so I could binge them. The storyline is amazing, the characters are well-written and it manages to be both serious and funny when it has to.

**Also, the Korean voice of Elsa plays the main character’s mother. I didn’t know who she was until I listened to the Frozen Korean album while studying, and her voice is FLAWLESS, okay I’ll stop

4. The Fiery Priest

… Mom also convinced me to watch this one. (simply showing me the scene from this gif lol) And if you read what it’s about you probably say “uh… what? An angry catholic priest who fights crime?” I. Did. TOO. But it WORKS. It’s hilarious! And Kim Nam Gil manages to make us root for his character while he has some serious anger issues (which are understandable if you watch the drama.)

5. Angel’s Last Mission: Love

This drama was deliciously HEARTBREAKING and perfect. I watched it because I personally LIVED for Thirty but Seventeen and I wanted to see if Shin Hye Sun would do it again. And she did. Her character was so different, but her story was just as beautiful. And Kim Myung Soo isn’t far behind. Like- It’s difficult for me to describe the sheer beauty of this drama. Please watch.

Honorable mentions!

Doctor John

Would definitely be top 5 if the first 5 weren’t perfect as it is. (probably isn’t because of the main character’s awful ponytail. UGH.) But seriously, Ji Sung’s performance? Magical. 5/5 would recommend

Her Private Life

As I said on a previous post, doesn’t have much plot, but Ryan Gold makes up for it with charisma and chemistry with Deok Mi. (Seriously. There’s this one scene where it looks like they’re not acting. ASK DRAMA TWITTER IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME)

Secret

EVERYONE told me to watch it. I avoided it like the plague because I wanted to keep Ji Sung from Kill Me, Heal Me on my memories. But oh boy was it amazing!

Currently watching:

Crash Landing On You

I swear, if this drama disappoints me like Memories of the Alhambra did, I won’t ever watch a Hyun Bin drama ever again. (except for Secret Garden because I will not torture myself that way) I’m so invested on their story already and although I understand how it would be difficult for them to thrive, I NEED them to achieve happiness! (also it low-key reminds me of DOTS which is a PLUS!)

Chocolate (aka the one where Nat has to swallow her tears at least once per episode)

When I say that, I mean it: It’s a melodrama. IT IS. DON’T EXPECT ANYTHING LESS THAN A SEA OF TEARS. Buuuuut, since I already started it, I’m committed to finishing it. And if they don’t end up happy after EVERYTHING, I’ll march at dawn.

Love With Flaws

I’m two episodes behind on this one but I’m committed. I’ll finish it, although I like my other ones better. Choi In Ha was such a good actor and I’ll miss him, though.

As for shows in English (lol)

1. The Good Place

Because duh, it’s my favorite show and it will remain that way

2. Fleabag

It’s a masterpiece. That’s all I have to say.

3. Good Omens

David Tennant + Michael Sheen. I already spoke about it and I want to watch it again!

4. The Mandalorian

I don’t particularly like Star Wars, but this show? I don’t know how they did it but I got so invested on this story. I genuinely can’t wait for next season. BABY YODA FOREVER!

5. The Witcher

TOSS A COIN TO YOUR WITCHER, OH VALLEY OF PLENTY. Just like that earworm, the show became a rapid obsession. I ended up starting the books, so *shrugs*

Honorable mentions:

1. You (season 2) Only ONE thought: What in the world was that?
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (SO GOOD!) I still need to watch the new season, though.

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Well, that’s it, folks. The last post of the decade (which was waaaaaaay too long!) I hope you have an amazing NYE with your families, and that your 2020 is everything you want it to be. ❤

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Nat

Quick Update: On uprisings, the Hadestown recording and silly things.

Hi! It’s been a while. ❤

(You wouldn’t think about it that way- you got a post from me last week. But I haven’t written anything new in 3 weeks ^.^) This is the kind of messy update you’re used to have from me, so nothing new here.

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So. What’s new? Puerto Ricans overthrew a government after two weeks of protest caused by years of oppression… and a group chat. (Can you believe a Telegram chat unraveled this whole thing? Me neither.)

So… that’s cool. Proud is not enough of a word to describe how it felt to finally see Ricardo Rosselló finally resigning. Seeing people celebrating in the streets live is something I will never forget. (Of course, if you follow me on Twitter, you’d know all about it- or probably… just muted me. Oops.) My day to day was spent listening to AM radio, political podcasts and Twitter (specifically David Begnaud’s twitter. He’s our national treasure. I am now a David Begnaud stan account, jsyk). I’m not here to explain it all, there are countless accounts that have been writing thousands of pages about it.(Just search for #RickyRenuncia)

Of course, you must know it’s still not over. We still do not have a stable government (and probably will not have one for a while) The next person on the chain of succession is… far from ideal and is probably involved in the whole thing. So, you will not stop hearing from us during the next few months.

What am I doing right now? I’m sort of taking a break. I listened to the Hadestown recording while writing (part of) this. I listened to all of it and I’m empty! Seriously: Doubt Comes In literally made me gasp in the end. I don’t think I’ll ever lose that feeling. I feel like it’s the complete opposite to In a Crowd of Thousands. The latter shows something the whole show has built up to, an amazing thing, and the former does the same thing, but you do not want it to happen. But it does anyway. (Wow, my way with words is the best. *pure sarcasm* I have no idea why you follow me, tbh)

I’m also catching up with all the reading and shows I abandoned during this past week (or… year, to be honest).

K-dramas:

I finished Search: WWW! And you should all watch it. (Just ignore the romantic filler. *shrugs* I was only there for the powerful female figures and their relationships, tbh)

I’m currently watching Hotel del Luna (because of IU and it was written by the Hong Sisters, so you should all run and watch it!) and Doctor John (because it’s a medical drama and it stars Ji Sung, my first Korean love).

Hotel del Luna is giving me Goblin + Master’s Sun vibes, just saying. If you like any of these you could like it.

Doctor John is only starting, but it is already showing topics that are considered taboo and I trust his vision on his dramas. So yeah. I’m very pleased with it so far and my expectations are limitless.

Books:

I finally read Soul of Stars by Ashley Poston. I am a sucker for books with plots like this (where love attempts to overthrow mind controlling, you know?) This story is the ending of a duology, which is an Anastasia retelling. I don’t have to tell you how much I love Anastasia. Just so you know, Ashley Poston has become an insta-buy author for me.

The Becoming of Noah Shaw & The Reckoning of Noah Shaw. I have mixed feelings with the first one, since not much happened. But the second one reminded me why I fell in love with Noah Shaw on the first place. It had flashbacks and snarkiness and the unreliable narrators we know and love. (also- no Mara, which was actually refreshing. Let’s see what will happen next) It took me a literal year for me to start this series because I was afraid I wouldn’t feel the same way about it. I was right, but I was still interested on the story and I actually want to know how it will end.

I reread Red, White and Royal Blue. Look: Alex and Henry’s story is the cutest thing ever. I needed something that could counteract the whole bitterness of my country’s political climate, so what’s better than reading a book about two political figures falling in love during an election period? *shrugs*

Stray thoughts: Taylor Swift’s new song is amazing. The Archer is what I expect and love from Taylor, so I think I’m going to love her next album. I’ve been avoiding streaming her old albums because of the Scooter Braun thing, and I honestly miss her so much. I wish my laptop had a CD port so I could listen to my physical copies. Ugh.

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PS: I still have around three weeks of freedom before uni starts… I haven’t rested this much in literal years, and it feels amazing.

Quick update: cruising, reading and binge-watching

So, of course, after all those posts with specific purposes, I owe you an absolute mess of an update, since that’s what I’ve been doing with my blog for months and that’s what you have come to expect of me. So here I am.

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First update: Somehow (really, don’t ask me how) I am halfway done with my degree.

I reached 50% of my PharmD: I never thought I would reach this milestone so fast. I only have one year left of my didactic studies, after which I’ll work my ash off. I think this is the first actual break I have had ever since I started pharmacy school and I have really stopped to think: holy shirt how is this possible? I am honestly so proud of myself for coming this far. Especially, if you read my past posts, I had no idea what I would do with my life until my second year of my undergrad.

View this post on Instagram

Gente, llegamos al 50% 💃🏻

A post shared by natalie 🐬 (@fearlessly.nat) on Apr 30, 2019 at 2:44pm PDT

I went on a cruise with my friends.

That’s something I never thought I would ever do (I went on a cruise when I was way younger and my experience was not the best in terms of motion sickness), but here we were. It has been one of the most fun experiences I have ever gone through in my life. Going to piano bars? Listening to talented singers perform every night? Eating delicious food?

I am so glad I was able to do this with my classmates, as this is something we will remember for the rest of our lives, hopefully.

A stray thought: I can’t believe I’ve hopped on a plane more times in a year than I have my whole life. (hopefully I’ll be able to do it even more once I actually graduate and earn money O.o)

Another stray thought: Non-drowsy Dramamine is BS

As for reading (I had written “I am a disappointing mess on a previous draft”)

I finished Vengeful and Love and Other Words, two of the books I had started months ago. But the one I actually want to mention is Kingdom of Exiles.

Mo gave it a glowing recommendation and, as I tweeted this:

I just want everyone to know I trust Mo’s taste in books with my life.

— natalie (@fearlesslynat) June 12, 2019

 

I HAD to read it. And it was so good! The whole plot was amazing, and I always needed to know what would happen next. I buddy read it with Lee, and theorizing, screaming and fangirling with her was so much fun! I hope I can get to do it again when Frozen Prince comes out!

I’m currently waiting for Soul of Stars to come out and suffer.

Now, for the update you were (not) waiting for: TV and K-dramas!

I watched the entirety of Fleabag in a day. (Not going to lie- I watched it because of a specific Andrew Scott Tumblr giftset my friend sent me) And it was so much more than I expected! Quality comedy that can also make me cry.

Good Omens: My current obsession: I shall spend my whole life trying to get everyone to watch the masterpiece of Michael Sheen and David Tennant playing an angel and a demon, respectively. Plus, it was written by Neil Gaiman: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, PEOPLE?!

As for K-dramas:

-I’M IN LOVE WITH KIM JAE WOOK. Her Private Life wasn’t full of a mind-blowing plot or whatever, but it’s so cute and fangirly and my expectations for men kept skyrocketing.

–Angel’s Last Mission: Love– It’s so cute and my mom says it looks like City of Angels and if it is, I’ll cry. A LOT. But meanwhile I’ll have fun with their cute and amazing acting kbye. (And the plot is amazing, and I’m scared of how it will end. *cries*)

-And the one I love the most right now: Search: WWW. It’s such a feminist K-drama. Every single misogynistic trope is turned around, and I am living to see three powerful women take over the world. ❤

As for miscellaneous obsessions:

–Lore Olympus owns my life right now. That’s all I’ll say. ❤

 

Anyhow, here is your mess of an update! Hope you enjoyed it!

-Nat ❤

Hospital IPPEs!

Hi, dear followers!

I’ve wanted to write about my hospital IPPE for a while.

(IPPE stands for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience, by the way)

I do not have many followers who study pharmacy or are interested on this field, but let’s be honest, it’s as much a part of me as books or k-drama, so bear with me just this once!

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I started my practice experience 2 days after I got arrived from a 9-day-long trip with my friends, which totally meant I needed some rest, which… I did not get. Anyhow, I was scared to death, as I felt like I forgot every single drug on the phase of the Earth. At least, on my first day, my preceptor assigned someone to give me a tour and teach me the ropes, and I got the chance to get my flu shot *cough*. During my second day, she gave me this whole pamphlet full of policy and rules. Believe me, reading everything is on your best interest, but it took me hours. Once I finished it, I was able to look for an actual function at the pharmacy.

During this IPPE, we were assigned a case presentation, where we examine a patient’s hospital stay and analyze what could be done, what was right and what was not okay. It felt incredible, because if you think about it, you always work on these cases during class, but seeing all of it unfold in real life was something else. In the end, the patient was transferred to another hospital, so I wasn’t able to oversee much else, but they remained on my thoughts. There are other patients whose names will be always on my mind as I’ll forever wonder if their health improved.

I believe I enjoyed this practice more because it was more clinical than a community setting. I was able to interact with so many other healthcare professionals and visit other facilities. I was also able to study different disease states that are not as covered in community practice.

Sadly, there is a huge con to this practice, especially if you appreciate patient interaction above all else: You’re at a computer, searching for papers, guidelines or mistakes on orders most of the time, and protocols are followed directly with the physicians/nurses. Hospital pharmacists, at least on my practice setting (and my classmates’), rarely interact with patients.

To close this post, some things I learned during my hospital IPPE:

1. Do not ignore the guidelines during class. You may have the PowerPoints there, but you MUST know where to look when you are asked a clinical question.
2. Learn your medication brands. At least on my practice site, medications were organized having in mind BRANDS, not generics, and it was a hassle until I got the hang of it. (GBR helps. A LOT)
3. I’m praying that they let you wear sneakers. You’ll need comfortable shoes. Your feet WILL hurt. (this also happened on community pharmacy but *shrugs*)
4. Do not worry about being annoying. ASK as much as you can. You’re there to learn, and honestly? They know that. Besides, having someone knowledgeable about how the pharmacy works is beneficial to them.

I, sadly, did not get any pictures during my practice except for this one (although this is certainly a quality picture):

View this post on Instagram

… brb I am dying of happiness. #therapydogs #puertoricotherapydogs

A post shared by natalie 🐬 (@fearlessly.nat) on May 24, 2019 at 9:46am PDT

I hope you enjoyed this post!

-Nat ❤

“But I still have this faith in the truth of my dreams”

Hi, everyone. It’s been a while. (an understatement, but certainly not the longest time I have been without writing on this blog)

I have been busy. And then I wasn’t. I haven’t been busy for two weeks already and I haven’t been able to put everything that happened during the past 6 months in writing. I’m thinking I could divide everything in a couple of posts, so you’ll have some things to look forward to, if you like my writing. (which… I’m not sure it’s even possible) This post is about two dreams I was able to fulfill on this period of time, if you want to read it.

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Dream #1: The first time I visited Universal Studios in Orlando, years ago, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was being announced as I was leaving. Middle-school Natalie felt sad (although that’s not strong enough of a word, I think). Through the years, as it opened, as my friends and classmates all posted pictures with Hogwarts, on Diagon Alley, or drinking butterbeer, I felt jealous. (I mean, I was happy for them in a way, but I wanted to see what it felt.) When my friend told me she wanted to visit a mutual friend who studies in Orlando during spring break, I did not miss the chance: I said yes. Enthusiastically. We would figure out the logistics on the way. And we did.

Believe me, there were A LOT of roadblocks, beginning with the tickets we bought and apparently someone had reprinted 4 times. (But that’s another story, although if you followed me on Snapchat that day, the rants were REAL) However, it was an amazing experience to visit the place I dreamed of with my best friend. I still get teary-eyed thinking of how it felt to see Hogwarts for the first time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BunKhv6FugH/

It was also amazing to meet my friend’s classmates who did everything to make us feel welcome. I will always feel thankful for everything. For taking us to eat Korean BBQ for the first time (it was amazing, thanks for asking). For watching Twilight with us (my friend’s first time).

Of course, my immune system could not stay put and I got sick during the trip. What I thought was a regular cold turned out to be… *drumrolls* influenza!

Update: the cold ended up being influenza.

Get vaccinated, folks. https://t.co/MLrv7UxVhn

— natalie (@fearlesslynat) March 9, 2019

So, you guessed right: a spring break that was going to last a week lasted half a month that felt like forever, after which it was extremely difficult to catch up on my university’s responsibilities. Anyhow, I survived, the semester ended, and dream #2 was about to be fulfilled.

*Making a note here: if you can get a flu vaccine, please do. Although you can still get the flu, the chances of getting it and the severity of the infection could decrease.

For some background into dream #2: If you follow me online, you’ll know I have been obsessed with Anastasia: The Musical since *looks on Twitter* probably November 2017.

I have loved the animated movie since earlier:

Listening to “Once Upon A December”
I love #Anastasia!! ❤

— natalie (@fearlesslynat) July 30, 2012

(but let’s move on). I wanted to see it with my own eyes, so when it was announced that its Broadway run would end, I was devastated:

I keep seeing the Anastasia Broadway cast goodbye posts and pic.twitter.com/sB1fMm9iz2

— natalie (@fearlesslynat) March 30, 2019

As you know, although it closed, there is a tour traveling through the US. And casually (I still cannot believe this), it would stop on Fort Lauderdale during my finals and through the beginning of May. Which meant that I had a (small) chance of seeing it before I went on a cruise trip with my class friends. However, I did not realize this until I had a conversation with my school friends. They encouraged me to buy tickets, and then told me they would go with me. Which meant ABSOLUTELY THE WORLD and I will always appreciate. So I can say I watched Anastasia, I listened to my favorite songs live and sang along from the very last row and enjoyed it all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BygOmYSn9YF/

I almost cried listening to In a Crowd of Thousands live. And In My Dreams. And Quartet at the Ballet (These three were always my favorites, and will remain like that for the rest of time) The Countess and the Common Man, though. This performance GAVE ME LIFE. (The touring cast is so talented, guys.)

There’s something to be said about the feeling of seeing a dream fulfilled. Of course, I have new and unfinished ones, (Seeing Hadestown and graduating Pharmacy school come to mind), and I cannot wait to do it all. And to take you all with me.

-Nat ❤

Is this real life? #HamiltonPR

Hello, everyone! As you probably know if you follow me either on Twitter or Instagram, I had the opportunity to see Hamilton’s “And Peggy” tour last week.

When Lin-Manuel Miranda said he would bring Hamilton to Puerto Rico, I was sceptical about the chances I would have to see it. (Especially if he would play the role one more time!)

Last year I had the chance to buy one ticket. (Immediately after I bought it I checked if it was transferrable because I would be going alone!) I felt kind of guilty because my friends also wanted to go, but I did not have the chance to buy some for them. (The online tickets sold incredibly fast!)

But, as A. Ham himself says,

I am not throwing away my shot!

So there I was. Not having any idea what to do, how I would get there, but I was going to see the musical I first fell in love with! My friend offered me a ride –I’m still immensely grateful to him! –and that was that, I would see Hamilton, in my island, on Wednesday, January 16. (And no. I had no idea it was Lin-Manuel’s birthday back then, which probably makes me a terrible fan)

Fast-forward to exactly one week ago: The day arrived (I hardly had any sleep the night before- I was that excited). I found out my friends had arrived on time to buy the students’ matinee tickets! (So yeah- this made me even happier- I felt a bit guilty that they would not be able to go)

I took my classes, put myself together with the help of some of my friends (<3) and that was that. I arrived at the theater 2 hours before showtime:

 

Got my tickets, took a few selfies:

And waited with two students who had won the lottery. (I’m so glad I met you, Monica and Orlando! I was feeling lonely and I hope I wasn’t that awkward).

The time came to enter the theater, I bought a T-shirt, and waited for the show to start.

Here’s the deal: They do not prepare you for the time when the first note starts, when you finally see your favorite songs being performed, when LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA APPEARS ON THE STAGE singing ALEXANDER HAMILTON and the whole theater starts screaming and the applause doesn’t stop.

I wish I could describe how the performances felt.

How it felt to see Angelica Schuyler singing about an instant attraction that wouldn’t trump her love for her sister. (This performance? An instant favorite. THAT REWIND!)

How it felt to see Eliza singing her heart out as she finds out about her husband’s affair.

Her piercing scream once her son dies.

The feeling when you know it’s going to end, when you do not want it to end, but it does. And you see these people who love what they’re doing with their whole heart.

When Lin-Manuel takes his Puerto Rican flag out, with pride and love for this island that has gone through so much pain, but has become so much more than that.

When he goes out one last time as the whole theater sings “Happy Birthday”, off-key, in both English and Spanish.

I never imagined how incredible everything, from the lighting, to the moving stage, to the choreography, and the music, would be. And how amazing it would be to see the whole story unfold before my eyes.

Look. Hamilton is an experience I never thought I would have. It’s something that will stay with me forever. And I am so infinitely grateful to Lin-Manuel Miranda and the whole company for making this possible, for us. For Puerto Rico.

Thank you.

Bye, bye, 2018 (Part 3: Books!)

Hello, there. Welcome to the actually interesting part of my 2018 recaps! 🙂

As you know I did not have much time for blogging this past year *cough* I was not organized enough *cough* so… whenever I could read books, or watch movies or TV shows I did not post about them. I thought I could share them with you 🙂

This is the one and only post about my favorite books of 2018!

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If you follow me on social media (which is probable, if you are reading this) you’ll know I struggled to finish my Goodreads Reading Challenge this year. I set a goal of 25 books, which is one fourth of my goal when I was in high school. To be honest, I do not have much time for books ever since I started Pharmacy school, and it saddens me. This is why I tried my best to find small bits of time here and there. I’m proud, even if some people will think I should not be. *shrugs*

I’m choosing 5 books this year. This is definitely not going to be easy, but here we go.

(5) A Very Large Expanse of Sea, by Tahereh Mafi

Reading this, I knew we were getting a glimpse into the author’s life. And it honestly hurt to see how stereotypes can shape someone’s experience. Reading about Shirin’s anger with the world, and how she did not want to let anyone in? It made me sad, and it definitely made me reflect on how you never really know what a person is thinking or feeling, no matter how they react visibly.

I had already read Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series (and I’m up to date with it) so I knew she would not disappoint me. I’m glad she wrote this amazing book.

(4) Radio Silence, by Alice Oseman

I first found of about this book because I was looking for ace representation. Then I started reading Heartstopper, and read Solitaire and every single Alice Oseman book and I knew I had to give this a chance. I loved that Frances and Aled are friends, not “friends”, if you get me. They are not set to have a romantic relationship, but that doesn’t substract from the depth of the story.

(3) Kingdom of Ash, by Sarah J. Maas

I waited so long for this book, it’s not even funny. (Not more than people following Aelin’s story since the Livejournal days. but still). If I’m honest, I read this book just before a Pharmacotherapy exam, and, at this day, I have no idea how I passed it. But moving on, it was an amazing book, it gave me most of the things I wanted from it (and excruciating pain, we can’t forget that). I really want to reread the series at some point of my life, and remember how my life was at this point. Aelin’s journey helped me through a LOT during these years, and I shall always be grateful. ❤

(2) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I did not understand the hype around this book, then I read it. This is one of those you just can’t. Stop. Reading. Evelyn’s story enthralled me and never let go. Please, everyone. If by any chance you have not read this, feel doubtful, or do not understand the hype, join us. You will become Evelyn Hugo’s #1 stan. 🙂

(1) An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green

Look, everyone. I’m as surprised as you are. I still can’t stop thinking about this book. When I first picked it up, I had no idea of what it was about. I will admit I only started it because Hank Green had written it, and I am a fan. But I was pleasantly surprised. He gave us a glimpse into the thoughts of a public figure. The public thinks one way, but the truth is that her image has been manipulated by April, and the people around her. And isn’t this what is real? We all, not only celebrities, have this mask, this image we like to project, and April showed us what’s real. She owned to her mistakes: she accepted she screwed up, and gave you a heads up of what would happen. I was surprised to see that there would be a sequel (according to Goodreads), because I could have accepted this ending. Although I can’t wait to see how the story will continue!

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Anyhow, people. I want to wish you a happy new year, and that 2019 brings you the happiness you desire, and the goals you want to achieve. ❤

Bye, bye, 2018 (Part 2: TV Shows!)

Hi, everyone! I decided to post recaps back to back, because if I didn’t the posts would be waaaaay too long. 

Still- Part 2 of my bye bye 2018 series will be about my favorite TV Shows I watched this year.  (Mainly K-dramas, of course! One of them is ongoing and you should watch it ASAP!)

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Korean Dramas (Because they deserve their own heading)

While You Were Sleeping

This one came out last year, but I watched it on 2018 because… well… electricity came back last January. This drama was so beautiful, and its soundtrack was perfect. It’s about a woman who can see the future in her dreams… and a man who can see her in his. It’s VERY confusing at first, I’m warning you! But the story was amazing, and all loose ends were tied at the end. I loved it so much, and I hope you do it too ❤

Thirty But Seventeen

Even thinking about this one makes me emotional. It is about a woman who falls into a coma when she’s 17 and wakes up as a 30 year old woman. She lost 13 years of her life, and has no idea where her family or friends are. She finds this family, and this man who has certain traumas of his own, and they help each other. I plan on rewatching soon! It was amazing and beautiful and perfect and I’m crying ❤

The Beauty Inside

I watched this one because I loved the movie so much. I’m warning you, it only shares a minimal part of the movie’s plot. In case you don’t know, The Beauty Inside is about a woman who changes her appearance for a week, once a month. She meets this man who can’t recognize anyone’s face. It was a bit lighter than the movie, but if I’m honest, I liked that. Of course it had it’s dramatic moments (every kdrama does) but everything from its soundtrack to its plot was feel-good and I’m hoping you enjoy it. 🙂

Memories of the Alhambra

This one, it’s ongoing people. It’s on Netflix. And as soon as they announced it (Hyun Bin + Park Shin Hye + Spain) I was in. I couldn’t wait, and once it came out I was hooked. Explaining the plot is… difficult. A CEO travels to Granada looking for an augmented reality game’s creator… but it is so much more than that. But trust me, although it is confusing as hell, it’s worth it. (or… I hope so. :D) Every single week you are left with more questions than answers, but it is so satisfying when you find out one more piece of information! Anyhow, I believe everyone should at least give it a chance.

Other, not Korean TV shows I watched this year 🙂

The Good Place

I have already gushed about this TV show here, and it’s still as amazing as I first started it. I’m hoping they can keep their streak, because I’m in love with every single one of the main characters, and their development. (Especially Michael… but well… it’s because of Ted Danson :3)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I’m SO GLAD it was saved by NBC! Look, I never thought I would enjoy a show about a police station but they did it. I am so invested on these characters. I want to know what will happen with Captain Holt, Boyle, Rosa, Gina, Terry and my OTP: Peraltiago. ❤ They deserve THE WORLD. And I’m so glad NBC is giving them the promotion they deserve.

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Honorary Mentions:

1. Lucifer: I’m so glad Netflix saved it! It’s actually a show I enjoy watching, and THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS AMAZING!
2. My Hero Academia: I already mentioned it, I believe. But this anime gave me LIFE. And I can’t believe I have to wait until October for next season.
3. Sword Art Online: Alicization: Listen- I know people hate SAO. BUT THIS SEASON IS AMAZING. If you haven’t, please give this season a chance. ❤