*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: 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 ❤

“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 ❤

Bye, bye, 2018. (Part 1: Life!)

Hello, my dearies! It’s me, and I’m back one last time (this year). 

I just realized I did not post anything on New Year’s Eve last year -understandable, I still had no electricity –therefore, no WiFi — and I was basically wallowing and watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. (Fun, right? Actually I loved it!)

I do not know exactly what I’ll be doing, although… who am I kidding? I’ll be crying watching the reputation Stadium Tour on Netflix. (And remembering those happy times :D)

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So, let’s start with a recap of what happened this year, shall we?

I. Actually. Started. Driving.

I needed a push (a $10 5-minute Uber ride, to be exact. Don’t. Ask.) to take my car to uni and become more independent. Watching To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before also helped, if I’m honest. Lara Jean described my issues with driving perfectly, and if she could get over them, drive to her prince charming and get the happy ending she deserved, then I could, too, for crying out loud! except for the prince charming part I’m still single as heck

So, I started driving. And of course I’ve had the classic road rage, the frustrations with driving daily. But I still love the freedom it has given me. I can finally go places without needing eternal help (except for my laziness sometimes… and the fact that I dislike driving at night) I wouldn’t ever go back.

This semester was HELL. And I survived.

When people told me the first semester of my P2 year would be awful I kind of thought they were exaggerating. Honestly? I am proud of myself for surviving and sticking through the end. I’m proud of my classmates who all passed Microbiology (aka the worst of the worst!) 2 exams a week since October is something I did not think I could handle until now.

I finally got my immunization certification.

If I’m scared of anything, it is to have to stick a needle to someone else. My coordination is non-existent. Somehow, though, I learned how to do this without hurting someone else. Huh.

The reputation Stadium Tour.

I mentioned this on an earlier blog post, but of course I had to mention it again. It was a life changing experience to get to travel and see my favorite artist. I shall never forget it, and now that there will be a Netflix event, I will be able to watch my favorite parts over and over again. Is this what happiness feels like?

Home Updates

Still working on it –hoping next year’s the year we actually move in. Selfish reasons aside, I want my family to rest already 😦 Some obstacles still need to be overcome, though. Wish us luck!

Goals

To finally reach the 50% PharmD milestone this summer. To eat healthier. To stop eating junk food. To be more organized. Wish me luck, I guess 🙂

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How was YOUR year? Did you get to achieve some of your goals? Do you have any goals for 2019? 

PS: Part 2: TV Shows and Part 3: Books are coming up!

 

 

A new update: IPPEs and Taylor Swift

Hello, my dear followers who I haven’t really spoken to in a while O.o (!!!)

How are you? How are you doing? -you probably will not answer these in the comments, it’s fine. *cue the crying*

My second year of pharmacy school is about to begin -I know. Shocking- and I wanted to catch you up with what’s happening in my life.

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IPPE Community (aka my first practice experience)

How can I say this? I learned so much during my three weeks practice experience. I don’t think anyone truly knows what happens behind a pharmacy counter, except for the ones working there. Honestly? I couldn’t have been more blessed with my placement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlqniVjHpNB/?taken-by=fearlessly.nat

They were so nice and patient with my questions and my inexperience. They were willing to teach me, and I wish they knew how much I appreciate this. My preceptor, the technicians and the other pharmacists working there: I love you, and I want you to know I had lots of fun and that I hope that my future site of work has a similar environment.

rep tour!

If you follow me anywhere, in any social media -Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat (@fearlesslynat) -you’ll know that THIS HAPPENED.

View this post on Instagram

I MUST BE DREAMING #reptouratlantanight2 #reptouratlanta

A post shared by natalie 🐬 (@fearlessly.nat) on Aug 11, 2018 at 2:25pm PDT

Somehow, thanks to a friend who lives there (Shoutout to Ashley!!) I was able to attend the reputation tour. Even as I’m writing this, I keep believing it was a beautiful dream. I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see the wristband, my t-shirt and the pictures on my phone.

Honestly, if a few months ago you had told me that I would travel on my own to see my favorite artist on her biggest tour to date, I would have said you were joking. I’d been wanting to see her for 9 years, and I had stopped hoping for a while.

Still- it happened, and I have the evidence to prove it. ❤

My current obsessions:

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before: You’ve probably heard about it already, but it’s amazing! I’ve been reading the books and I’m literally in love with Peter K. But shh, watch the movie on Netflix, or even better, do what I didn’t and READ THE BOOK FIRST. You won’t regret it!

Meteor Garden: It’s basically a Chinese Boys over Flowers remake, but I’m LIVING for Daoming Si and Shancai’s story. It’s on Netflix (US) and honestly, I’m obsessed.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty: I’m both watching the kdrama (It’s really cute) and reading the webtoon translation. They both cover important topics such as the idea of beauty and how much it could either improve your life, or consume you. I would say it’s a must watch.

Other ramblings

As for my home, it’s still under construction. I’ll most certainly post when it’s done. I can’t wait to have space for my books and my things!

I’m starting my P2 year, and I’m really scared, but I’m HOPING no hurricanes arrive this season. I do not think I would be able to handle it again (and people here haven’t really recovered from the damage yet. Let’s hope we get some rest and a normal pharmacy year (haHA like these words could ever be included in the same sentence!)

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Whoa, two posts the same week! Is this what they call a miracle? Still- thanks for reading and I hope to see you all soon!

You can find me here:

Twitter: @fearlesslynat

Instagram: @fearlessly.nat

Snapchat: @fearlesslynat

To a long lost friend

This post is a little bit different. It’s a letter -kind of like the one I posted years ago– These are the things I want to tell someone who hasn’t been in my life in a long time, but I miss them so much sometimes that I wish I could see them at least one more time.

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Hi, friend.

It has definitely been a while. I’ve asked a lot of people about you and no one seems to know anything. I wonder if you are okay, if you have finally found what you wanted to do with your life, or if you always knew and never shared it with the world. You never shared many of your thoughts and dreams, only pieces. I probably overshared, but you always -or at least most of the time, when we weren’t fighting- listened.

I remember our last conversation- or at least where it was and how it felt. Do you? Probably not- I’m well aware you were a bigger part of my life than I was of yours. It felt peaceful, friendly again, like it hadn’t been in almost a year -or probably more. Sadly, I do not remember what we talked about- it has been 5 years since that day, and I would have paid more attention to it if I had known I wouldn’t see you again.

I wonder if you know that I do not want to be a doctor anymore -or at least a medical doctor, and that I’m studying to be a pharmacist. Can you believe this? -I most certainly wouldn’t… Did you hear about that?

I wonder if you know that I finally got to go to a Taylor Swift concert! That I made my dream come true- I remember you bought me Speak Now as a birthday gift-, and that I faced my fear of traveling alone. I wonder if you know that I don’t read as much anymore, that I don’t have the time, and that this makes me so sad I want to cry sometimes.

I wonder if you know how much I appreciated our friendship- no matter how much we fought- and that you are one of the people I care the most for, even after 5 years.

Anyway, I miss you. And part of the reason I keep my social media updated and public is because if you somehow found me, you’d be able to know how I’ve been, if you cared. Now that I think about it, it seems like a lomg shot. You abandoned social media long ago, and it seems unlikely that you would come back, but still. Hope never dies, I guess.

I hope to see you again someday, and that I get to tell you these things in person. I miss you so much!

Natalie

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(And I just realized this post sounds like they’re dead. For the record- no, they’re not. They just haven’t been in my life for years, and I am pretty sure I won’t ever see them again.)

 

A much needed update: The Sequel

(I called this The Sequel because I apparently called a post A much needed update on 2015 :3)

Hi everyone! *waves at an empty crowd* Is anyone even following this blog anymore?

Still, I cannot believe I haven’t updated this blog in 6 months! How is this even possible?

Well, I suppose I could blame my busy student life (I could also blame my laziness *shrugs*) but I’m here now!

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*skims through the blog to her latest post* Whoa, I did leave you on a somber note there, didn’t I? I’m definitely in a better place now, so let’s list what has happened to me on the last few months, shall we?

1. On a birthday post almost 4 years ago, I said I wanted to buy a car. I was finally able to do it! (Although I still have to practice enough to be confident, this is one more step for my independence!)
2. My home is finally on its way to be repaired! For the time being, we’re still living at my aunt’s house, but things are definitely looking better -and I would be lying if I said I am not excited about my new room!
3. I always talk about my new obsessions on my updates so why would this one be any different?
   1. During the last few months I caught up with Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It was all fun and games until the day when it was cancelled. I was surely devastated, but NBC saved it! Which brings me to my second obsession- NBC is also the home of-
   2. The Good Place! Honestly, this show is amazing! If you haven’t watched it, please give it a chance. These past two seasons have been perfect and I’m hoping they keep surprising me. *crosses fingers*

      

      It’s always a good time to post this gif

   3. Anastasia: The Musical– If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve probably read my tweets about it (Especially about In a Crowd of Thousands). I’ve always been a fan of the movie, but the musical is magical, and I love everything about it and I’m hoping to see it someday. *heart eyes emoji*
   4. My Hero Academia– This one’s more recent, to be honest… but I watched the whole show in a week and honestly, I have no idea how I’ll wait weekly for new episodes. I guess I’ll have to start reading the manga *shrugs, laughing hysterically because she has no time)
4. I’m also currently watching 2 k-dramas at the moment: Wok of Love and Rich Man, Poor Woman. I’m not obsessed with them (yet) so I’m not counting them on my list 🙂
5. In terms of books, some of the ones I read and loved are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Leah and the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli and I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman. As you can see, I haven’t read much during the past months… I need to fix this somehow.
6. In case you’re wondering about school (haha, I would too, after talking about shows for half my post), I’m currently taking 3 classes this summer (Biochemistry, Professionalism and Leadership -lol- and Pharmacy & the Health Care System). Why am I taking 3 classes, you may ask. Well… in order to follow my program’s core classes (aka the ones I needed to take last semester’s classes without falling behind) we had to drop these and take them during the summer session. This also meant that travel study is not an option this time. *crying*. I’m also expected to start my first practice after they’re over if things go my way, so cross your fingers for me, please!

Well, I guess this a nice update. How has your lives been? Let’s start a conversation on the comments! ^.^ I really want to work more on this blog again!

 

The feeling of home

Hi, everyone! I have been MIA for a while for various reasons- mainly because of hurricane Maria (and more recently, I haven’t had much time to do anything but study.) Still, I wanted to share this. I wrote it around 3 weeks after the hurricane hit.

Before you read it, just know I’m kind of in a better place emotionally now, since uni has been an amazing distraction. I’ll probably write more about that later- but for now, here’s this post.

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I might have listened to Bridget Mendler’s ‘Hurricane’ more times than it is socially acceptable during and after a category 5 hurricane.

Okay, bear with me. You’ve more than certainly have heard about Maria’s passage through Puerto Rico during the past 3 weeks (?) Things were rough, they still are. And even I tend to forget that.

I lost my home’s roof in a category 5 hurricane and I forget that. How is that even possible? I have had more than a few thoughts about leaving.

Listening to the news and hearing about people crying while getting hot meals? Listening to the news and hearing people begging for water!

Puerto Rico’s economy was in a crisis, a bad one. And Maria made it even worse. A catastrophic hurricane hadn’t passed though my country in almost a century… and then we lived my grandmother’s stories about that hurricane that basically traumatized her.

I probably will remember those sounds for the rest of my life. The feeling that it wouldn’t ever end, that we were stuck on a loop.

Sometimes I wake up and think everything is normal until I see my surroundings and remember it’s not. That I don’t have a (physical) home anymore. And that sincerely sucks.

Category 5 hurricanes suck. And 3 weeks after that? Yep. Still does.

“At least we have milk”,
“at least we have gasoline”,
“at least we have ice”
“At least-” and we start comparing our situation to other people who are literally living without a roof or access to water, or food with no outside help whatsoever. I honestly hate this. I might -MIGHT- be okay, but this whole situation took a toll on me. And it has been almost a month, and some things have normalized, but I still have to enter my (former, destroyed) home- house to search for things I can salvage- several times. Honestly, seeing my room in such a state left me almost numb. I started looking for things almost methodically, without any feelings, until that was not possible at all.

I see the post-it’s from people who sent me messages- ruined. I see some of my books- the ones I couldn’t save- ruined.

And then I think- I should know I am lucky. My extended family lent us a house while we can rebuild. I have an apartment rented that’s basically intact, I am going to start classes again this week.

But still- intend to forget. I lost my home. And how do you go on from that? From the memories, from their childhood innocence that made you think things were better than they were?

I still don’t have the answer to these questions. I probably never will, but it’s nice to write these things.

I have cried a couple of times after Maria, for several situations but it mostly accounts for one thing: the loss of a feeling I probably won’t recover for a while: the sense of home.