A Self Addressed Email

If you could open up your Inbox tomorrow morning and have the most perfectly self addressed email, what would it say? Mine would say the following:

Dear Natalie,

Congratulations, you have won the lottery! You can quit your job immediately. Please take the next flight to Spain, where your new home awaits you. There you will enjoy life by drinking wine, eating jamon serrano and manchego cheese, dancing the night away, meeting fabulously interesting people, scrapping daily, and traveling the world at your leisure. You have been granted a lifetime of happiness, but make sure to pay it forward and do your part in making this world a better place.

Sincerely,

Natalie Z. Garcia

p.s. Please make sure to include your boyfriend Matt in this new journey. You and I both know that no one makes you as happy as he does. It is clear from the look in your eyes that you adore him. Congratulations on living happily ever after.


hehe...a girl can dream, right?

Fabulous Friday

Today I originally thought I'd talk about food. All the yummy eats. My favorite restaurants, local places that rule, etc. But we're going to have to save that conversation for a later date, ok?

Today we shall talk about being fabulous. First: Aren't these stamps fabulously super! When the postal lady showed them to me I was like "I have to have those!"I don't know why. I just felt like a super hero loving kid when I saw them. And plus, Matt will think they're cool.

Second: Fabulous Shoes. Need I say more?

Third: Emails with this girl. Who knew she had a fabulously cool government email address? She's been working at the Pentagon all summer and I never put two and two together. Not only has she been keeping me entertained via comedic emails all morning but she went on SIStv today. I mean, hello? I think I may have just recruited a new member to the scrap cult. Ok, so she's fabulous. Nuff said.

Fabulous is having dinner with good friends at Rosa Mexicano.
Fabulous is hopefully meeting this girl on Sunday. Eeek.
Fabulous is Vee for being a killer good friend.
Fabulous is dinner with my Italian class tonight at Sette Osteria.

So, I gave in and sorta mentioned food. It's partially because I'm starving. Everyone have a fabulous friday! Let's hope the work day goes by fast so I can start my weekend soon. Ciao!

The Good, The Bad

Good: Finally started working on KC's kit, which is fabulous, btw.
Bad: No time to finish the damn thing until this weekend.

Good: Dinner date with my friends tonight. Great, in fact.
Bad: Having to find parking downtown in a highly congested area.

Good: Busy at work, which means I'm not bored.
Bad: Having to work late and putting up with horrid people.

Good: Harry Potter was released for all the magical loving people.
Bad: I am not one of them.

Good: Amazon offers free shipping on orders over $25.
Bad: My total at the moment is $24.89. Wonderful.

Good: Drinking lots of water throughout the day.
Bad: The bathroom is like a mile away. Not good when you're about to pee your work pants.

Good: Owning a computer.
Bad: Owning a ridiculously SLOW computer.

Good: Gmail. Ahh, yes, Gmail is wonderful.
Bad: Being blocked from Gmail at work. Stupid firewalls.

Good: Vacations, more specifically, my upcoming vacation to DR.
Bad: Paying for such vacations. And worrying about who you're going to leave your cat with when you're gone.

Good: Matt waking up with me this morning for a change.
Bad: Matt and I fighting all morning and consequently, being late for work.

Good: Girls
Bad: Boys

Good: It's Wednesday.
Bad: It's not Friday.

She Can Finally Order A Drink. Legally, That Is.

The day is finally here! My little sister finally turns 21. Oh, happy day! I can finally have a partner in crime. I can finally go out with her and not worry that the bouncer will notice that she is rocking my ID. I no longer have to make liquor store runs for her and her friends. I can no longer feel guilty about sneaking her sips of my cocktail. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, the newest member of Club 21. The lovely, Erika Garcia.

Last night we took her out for some drinks at a local bar. I was so happy they let her drink the night before her birthday. Good times. So, everyone raise your glass and let's toast to my little sis. Happy Birthday my little Erika. Keep on being a rockstar. And be all that you can be at 21. Love you.

Total Wannabe

I have a confession. I have never read any of the Harry Potter books. But, I kinda wish I had. Because I totally feel left out. I swear I'm the only person who is not at home right now reading that book from cover to cover. I bet my cousin Daniela is at home right now reading. And Matt's brother is too. I need to get with the program. I need to jump on the HP bandwagon. I'm a total wannabe.

Tomorrow equals Nerdy Bike Helmet day. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. This means I will wake up early, slap on some sexy spandex, and hit the C&O canal. And if you're wondering how the triathlon training is going...well, it's ok. Not awesome. Not bad. Just ok.

And for your viewing pleasure...this is probably how ridiculous I will look tomorrow. Isn't the C&O trail just so pretty? Love it.

Like Whoa!

My pics from the weekend need to be edited. Like whoa. So until then all you guys get is this one. Me, sitting shotgun. Hair in the wind. Rocking my Versace shades. And my favorite Barcelona shirt. Enjoying the ride. Living in the moment. Not a care in the world. Loving my company. And listening to some good tunes. If only every day could be this simple.

So last night at 3AM Matt and I had a brilliant idea to get out of bed and make queso. Yes, we are so random. So we made it. And it was delicious. The kind of delicious that you never want to end. And then you realize its 3:30AM and you really should punish yourself for being a Fatty Mcgee and eating such non-healthy foods so late, or should I say early, in your day. I'm totally paying for it now. My stomach has not been happy with me all day. She's been grumbling at me nonstop. She's pissed and I don't blame her. Sorry belly. I'll treat you better this weekend. Adios my little chickens. I love you all.

Dear Officer #5303 from Madison County, IL

I think you are a complete and utter idiot. I'm sorry that the flat, corn field lands of Madison County Illinois don't offer much entertainment, but pulling me over for "barely" speeding is just uncalled for. Not only that, I had a legitimate excuse (passing the grandma in the right lane that was going way below the speed limit and causing me to almost have an ulcer). Also, crossing the Indiana state line does not take 4 hours as your ignorant ass told me while I was speaking to you with my window open in the scorching heat. In fact, dear officer, it took me 1.5 hours. So, either you have no effing clue, or I just drive like a speeding maniac (personally, i think its a little bit of A and a little bit of B). The truth is yes, I have a thing for speed. But, being pulled over for going 81 in a 65 in the middle of NOWHERE is unnecessary. Ok, maybe if I had been going 20 over, or even 40 over (as I was doing the rest of the trip) I could see a point. But, just so you know Officer #5303, after we parted ways, I not only kept on speeding, but I hooked up my radar detector and drove an average of 93 the rest of the way home. So, I hope you enjoyed taking $75 from my bank account. I certainly enjoyed speeding through your state and do not regret it for one minute.

Sincerely,

Speed Demon

(pics of the weekend coming soon....)

Walk of Shame

No, not the walk of shame that many girls did in college. You know, those girls who were still wearing the same outfit from the night before. That were cutting across campus hoping they wouldn't run into anyone they knew. The girls with the smeared makeup, a hangover, and high heels on at 7am.

Nope, not that kind.

The long walk from the elevator to my cube felt like a Walk of Shame today. It was just one of those days where I did not put one once of effort into my appearance. I just didn't want to get out of bed. And therefore, when I finally did get up, I was forced to get ready in 17 minutes. Granted, it usually only takes me 35 and that includes breakfast. So today I'm wearing glasses vs. contacts, ugly pants vs. sleek stlylish ones, flat shoes vs. high heels, and of course, no makeup (which is really not out of the ordinary). Luckily, I didn't wear a skirt today because my unshaved legs would have really bumped me to the next lever of shamefulness.

I leave with you with Matt vs. Dino. Here is the million dollar question: What is Dino made of? Do you know? Is it obvious?

Aaahhh, Freak Out!

So I get a phone call from the boy at precisely 10:52 pm last night. He is on his way home and says he has a surprise for me. So I'm getting all excited, thinking its either a new furry animal to add to our family, or better yet some delicious ice cream from Cold Stone. But alas...

He goes: "So, I didn't want to tell you, but I got a haircut."

So I start slightly freaking out because I love, I mean LOVE, his long curly hair.

He goes: "Actually, I didn't like the haircut that Mike (his hairdresser dude) gave me, so I started cutting it myself when I got home!"

Now I really start freaking out! And all I can say is WTF like 32 times. Especially since we have a wedding to go to on Saturday, people.

Long story short I didn't see his hair until this morning when I got home from swim practice. I saw him all curled up under the sheets, with his new haircut, and I really think I fell in love with him all over again (as corny as that sounds!). He looked adorable with his new short hair. Seriously, the cutest I have ever seen him. So, I did what any other good scrapbooker would do. I woke him up to take his picture! Mind you, it was about 6:45am. He's such a good sport. These probably aren't the best pics. And I definitely did not edit a single one. But you get the idea. And he totally has the Euro Mullet haircut now. And you know I'm all about the Euros.

This is the part where I told to him to really open his eyes.

And then I realized that he is wearing his Lake Braddock gym uniform from 7th grade! Dude, I was like whoa! I have no idea how that still fits him.

The week is halfway over people. Keep your heads up and stay in the game. I'm out.

Its Nice to Know that Some People Get Me

I have felt for the longest time that some people don't get me. And its not just that they don't get me, its that they don't TRY to understand where I'm coming from. And its frustrating.

When I talk scrapbooking, they just laugh and call me a nerd. And say things like "I thought scrapbooking was an old lady's hobby?"

When I talk travel, they say things like "Why would you go to Russia of all places?" or "Damn, it sounds expensive to go to (insert place). I would never spend that much money on a vacation!"

When I ask friends to vacation with me to places such as Bolivia, or Spain, or anywhere that involves getting on a plane, they avoid giving me straight answers. Or pretend they are interested, and never follow through.

When I talk about going to school overseas, they say things like "why would you go overseas, when the US has the best schools?"

When I told people that I was moving to Maryland, and god-forbid with a boy, I felt shunned. Apparently its frowned upon to grow up and be in a serious relationship.

I'm not talking about one person in general. Or even a group of people. These are just things that I have been thinking about lately. And things that have been frustrating me for quite some time now. I feel like I've learned to accept people for who they are. We are never going to agree with everyone. Or even have the same likes and dislikes. That's just life.

This weekend made me think about these things even more. Because I got to see two amazing people. I hungout with Vee on Saturday in Georgetown. And our common love for Paper Source and Anthropologie was refreshing.

And then I saw Claudia later on that day. I have really missed her since she's been in Italy. But, I didn't realize how much until Saturday. Our conversations are just perfect. She gets me. And I get her. She understands where I'm coming from. And even if she doesn't, she respects my decisions and is supportive of everything I do. I am supposed to be in Italy with her right now. That was our dream. To study overseas together (again). I'm happy she's there, living her dream. I guess my living overseas dream will come soon enough. I have decided there needs to be more good conversations in my life. Like the ones I had with Vee, Claudia, and with Jodi last week. And the kinds I have with my mom every Sunday. Yep, good conversations. Keep them coming people. I leave you with a random picture of me and Claudia, circa August 2005.

Worth Remembering

Some text messages are worth remembering. This was one.

So, the Fourth went well. A little crazy but well.
I have to admit it was weird being at a different beach.
And hanging with people who didn't love the Fourth as much as I do.
And having stupid girls look at you like you're crazy because you want to wear a stars and stripes bikini. But whatever. They're just haters.

Been up since 4:30. Tired, slightly sick, and hungry. At least I don't have to go to work now. Oh, wait. I do. Shoot me! Happy Friday.

Love for Chi-Town

Chicago was awesome. I got to see my very good friend Jodi on Thursday. Friday was a day full of shopping and the rehearsal dinner. And Saturday was the big day for Heidi and Alex. Their wedding was fabulous! It was exactly how I'd want my wedding to be. But, lucky for my daddy (and his wallet), I don't want a wedding. Every last detail was perfect. The location was beautiful. I even liked the bridesmaid dresses and for me to say that is HUGE. Heidi was stunning. Her dress was perfect. She looked so incredibly happy, and Alex did too. So happy for them. Here is a weekend recap through pics.

First, me and Jamie at a bar next to the church. We had a few cocktails before the reception. We had two hours to kill, so why not get little tispy!

Then, reunited with my boy. He was in the wedding party so I barely got to see him. Love this picture of us. Doesn't he look adorable in his penguin suit? And finally, everyone can see the hair from the front.

Matt and his boys. Second one from he left is the groom. And Matt's roomate through all 4 years of college. These guys get rowdy when they all get together.

Last, me with my air-mike. You know I can't help it when they play Bon Jovi! I love how Matt captures all the stupid moments on film. He's awesome like that.

Lastly, the oh-so-fattening, yet delicious cake. Man, it was GOOOOOD. Best cake ever. Seriously, this wedding was flawless. Very impressed.

There are obviously more pics, but by the end of the night I wasn't looking too hot. I think someone needs to remind me that I'm a girl, and that girls are supposed to wear makeup to formal events. I always think mascara will cut it but apparantly not. What can I say, I'm a simple girl. Plus, makeup makes you age faster.

Other Happy Things:


Kristina's kit is waiting for me at home.

Making plans to hopefully see my girl, Vee.

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, ever!

Early dismissal from work on Tuesday.

Making plans to go on a weekend road trip.

Italian weekend classes in NYC.

Organic Lemonade from Whole Foods.

My girl Katie is home for the week.

My boss is not here today...splendid!

Nike + Ipod = Awesome.

Triathlon training begins today.

My vacation to DR is one month away!