Pretending I'm a Teen from the Year I was Born

(Warning, lots of writing. Trying to capture this moment and mindset for the future)

Hola my friends,

Long time no chat. Lots and lots is going on over here for 17 year old Erica. Which is why I haven't posted.

Quick recap:

-Started Grade 12 in September
-Math is horrid but I have to take it, barely getting through but it's the only class I have work in
-Ended grade 12 Accounting with a 92%
-My heart is torn between going to school for acting or accounting next year, but with all the support and research I've done, I'm going to school for accounting but will do whatever I can to act while doing it
-My dream of being an actress has not changed since I was 3 and is still burning a fire in my heart
-I started a Musical Theatre program at Randolph where I was reunited with ALL of my old acting/singing/dancing teachers of my childhood (Barb, Cara, Suzy and now a new addition who is best friends with Barb and Suzy, Anika)
-I have the best time of my life every Sunday at rehearsals
-I went to New York City in the Fall (I KNOW! I. KNOW. Who would have thought?)
-The day the plane landed back in Toronto, I immediately started planning my next trip to NYC next Fall
-I have almost paid for my trip to NYC
-I have become a very successful babysitter which has also kept me very busy
-I have been sick all Winter
-It went below -40 degrees in Toronto this Winter...and I hated it...
-I've designed the invitations to my 17th Birthday Luau in June... They look awesome!
-I've started a cake decorating class and it's going really well (I'll post pictures below)
-Within the past week, I've become ridiculously obsessed with the Spice Girls

Now you know what the title of this post is all about.

Yes....You heard it right my friends. I am beyond obsessed with these 5 girls who are all between the ages of 39-42 today but were between the ages of 21-24 when they were popular (more or less)....Not to mention their movie came out three days before my birthday in 1997.



Just a little bit late on the bandwagon but you know what, I don't care. My parents, co-workers at co-op, and friends think I'm crazy, but I am enjoying myself way too much to be ashamed or held back. GIRL POWER!!!

Fun story: My cousin was OBSESSED with the Spice Girls (and probably still is honestly) around the age of 4...I don't know. All I know is that we would go to Hamilton every weekend or every other weekend and there Callie would be. Sitting in front of the TV, the VHS of Spice World playing. And it would play another 5 times throughout the day, and then the next. And repeat every weekend that I went up there for a very long period of time.

I had no interest in them. This is now the second band that I wasn't into and then became extremely obsessed seemingly over night (The Jonas Brothers was the other one).

It started off when I was around 9, Jenna had gotten their Greatest Hits CD for her birthday or something. We went skiing, it was playing, I liked 4 songs.

And since I was 9, those were the only 4 songs I've liked.

Remember my acting teachers I've told you about? The ones who've taught me since I was 6? Well...Turns out, they're in a Spice Girls tribute band. Mhm...this sparked the Spice Girls interest in me this year. Their band is called Wannabe: The Spice Girls Tribute Band.

They're very good! Is it funny seeing my teachers perform in a Spice Girls Tribute band? Absolutely. And now, I can't wait until I'm 19 and go see one of their shows... And Callie will be coming with me!

Here's a video of their awesomeness.


They started my obsession and I'm forever grateful.

So last week, a group of my friends at Randolph decided to name our group chat Spice Girls and then, naturally, we assigned ourselves to a Spice Girl and that's our nickname for each other. There was 5 of us in the chat after all (and I genuinely like everyone in my musical theatre class, I had just taken pictures of these 4 girls and it evolved from there). Baby Spice is Henna, Scary Spice is Robyn, Sporty Spice is Skye, Posh Spice is Sarah...And I am Ginger Spice!

How I chose Ginger Spice: "I don't know much about the Spice Girls...But I'm not Sporty (There is a Spice Girl named Sporty right?) so not her. I've always wanted to be a Ginger, so I'll be Ginger Spice!"

Yes, Erica, there is a Spice Girl named Sporty. And soon, you will know EVERYTHING about all of them and Sporty will become your favourite. Just you wait. I photoshopped our faces onto the picture in our new roles.

Now I can't stop laughing.

I was late to rehearsal this week, cookies take time to bake for a class! When I walked in, the first thing I heard was. 

"OH LOOK IT'S GINGER! Welcome Ginger Spice! Or well, Ginger Junior." No, my friends/cast mates/fellow Spice Girls didn't say this to me. My teachers said this to me. I stared at them. I didn't know what was happening, why were they calling me that? I felt like a star but...what the heck?

"We showed them the picture!" Skye told me. Oh. Makes sense now. I feel like I must have blushed but the secret is out now so I admitted to my hard core obsession and all class I had 2 Become 1 stuck in my head.

Remember those 4 songs? Yeah, the next week, all I did was listen to those 4 songs. They went from a play count of 16-20 to 100-121. Soon, I could sing all of Wannabe, Stop, Say You'll be There, and Spice Up Your Life. I was innocently search Youtube for some music videos when I came across this little gem: 

At first, I laughed...and then I was hypnotized by their electric energy and their brilliant concert. I sat there watching the whole thing, no distractions (which if you know me is very hard for me to do). It was so 90's. Just like that, the Spice Girls became one of the only things on my mind for the next 7 days and counting.

Sporty Spice (Mel C) is my favourite,

 

Like look at this cool cat! Her voice is to die for, she's so entertaining to watch, and she said this wonderful quote "It's about the shape you're in, not the shape you are" that really speaks to me right now.

Then Ginger Spice (Geri, who has the best outfits in my humble opinion)

Gorgeous, ginger lady wearing sparkly red and a crown that reminds me of the Statue of Liberty... YES PLEASE! Sounds exactly like everything I like in one place. 

Baby Spice is next (Emma, everyone that I know, including die-hard fan, Callie, likes Baby Spice the best and I can see why. Just so happens one of my future daughters is probably going to end up having the same name as her, and I couldn't be happier!),

 

Sporty and Baby seem to be the closest today so that's really good that my cousin's favourite and my favourite are still super close!

Scary Spice (Mel B) always rocks it with her cool vibe and killer voice,

Her singing and speaking voice is just awesome!

And last but certainly not least, Posh Spice herself Victoria (who is the mother to the most gorgeous boys I've ever seen besides Nick J, Darren Criss, and Jonathan Groff).

 

Yeah, I found pictures of her smiling! "I'm just too posh," -Mel C from Spice World. 

Although I have an order of favourites, I love ALL OF THEM!

After that video played, it automatically played this documentary:


Hooked. I was hooked. I've seen every music video, a concert from each of their tours, I watched the movie a couple nights ago, laughed so hard, and got even more invested. I needed their stuff. Like now. Their Istanbul concert was fantastic too!



All of them are fantastic singers and have such unique and fun personalities! I was happy I was assigned Ginger Spice. She's the one that I'd like to be the most out of the group (besides my favourite being Mel C), I love her outfits, and she has the closest body type to me. I want to be a ginger more than ever before now.

I love all the songs in their concerts and soon, those 4 songs were not satisfactory any more. I ran out yesterday and bought 3 of their CDS (Spice, Spice World, and Greatest Hits) and their movie. Now I can drive my parents even more insane!!

Hi, I'm Erica...and...I'm a Spice Girls addict and loving every girl power hour of it.

Honestly, I think just the fact that I have new music to listen to that I've never heard before is what got me going the most. But they're so up my alley.

Favourite songs (in no particular order because I haven't really decided on a favourite)(I also refuse to listen to their album without Ginger so):
2 Become 1
Mama
Who Do You Think You Are
Move Over
Too Much
Viva Forever
Wannabe (childhood favourite)
Say You'll Be There (my dad's favourite and the only he song he likes)
Spice Up Your Life
Stop (I know the whole dance and do it everywhere including on the TTC)
Saturday Night Divas
Never Give Up on the Good Times
Move Over
Do It
Denying
The Lady is a Vamp
Love Thing
Last Time Lover (towards the bottom of my list but still good!)
Something Kinda Funny
Naked
If U Can't Dance

I'm also currently working on learning Stop easy piano. It's pretty good so far, my keyboard is just in front of my computer right now so I can read the sheet music because my printer STILL isn't working...GRR!!

Buzzfeed has put together their list of favourites which I don't necessarily agree with but, in case you've forgotten their songs it's all in one place. As well, if you're like me and wondering who sings what in their songs, take a look here. (Me: OH GERI SINGS THAT!? I knew that was Sporty's voice! Aww Emma...You go girl! WOO POSH! No idea that was you... Of course that was Mel B.)

Now Here are some of MY Spice Girls

Robyn, Henna, Skye, and Sarah!

 I love this photo of Skye (aka fellow Mirfanda) and I

Our version of our photoshopped photo taken today.

More Randolph photos coming soon!!

Now, onto my cake decorating class:

Purple was the second try, white and pink the first. I can finally do roses!

Pretty good for my very first time! I learned a lot doing this cake so 'sall good!

Working on writing and covering the cake. Pretty good for a first time, right?

The past two weeks I have given up excess sugar (except for a bite here and there) and have noticed an incredible change in my body and appetite. Not that I ate very much before, now I eat even less! Any one know if sugar and appetite have a connection? This week I add Pilates (grr....) as recommended by my musical theatre teachers. And of course, my new found love of jumping on my personal exercise trampoline...while listening to the Spice Girls.

That's it for now. Time to go watch Spice World for the 5th time. Talk to you soon! Post about New York coming soon :)

Wish it. Dream it. DO IT!

P.S. any photo related to Spice Girls or Wannabe, I do not own. I just kind of came across the photos and credit is needed to the rightful owner, whoever they are. Thank you for the amazing photos, my post is now totally Spice-tastic!

Nick Jonas 22nd Birthday

Hi Friends!

Today is Nick Jonas' 22nd birthday and do you know what that means...IT'S TIME FOR THE FIFTH ANNUAL NICK JONAS BIRTHDAY PIC COLLAGE!

I would have been seeing his concert at Lee's Palace on Monday October 6th....but it's for 19+ ...THANK YOU NICHOLAS! IT'S NOT LIKE I WANTED TO SEE YOU SOLO OR ANYTHING... Whatever. I'm over it.

So Nick, if you're reading this, I think you are fantastic and amazing and oh so talented. Please make a concert that your 16+ crowd can come to, I really wanted to see you perform your new music live. I can't wait to get your album (already preordered) and see everything else you have in store. May this be your best year yet! Happy Birthday!!

2014: Age 16

2013: Age 15

2012: Age 14

2011: Age 13

2010: Age 12... (Hooray for the not to scale editing!!)

...I look terrific this year. Sorry, grade 12 is kicking my butt. I'm exhausted, half sick, and too lazy to set up my DSLR for Nick's birthday.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my progress throughout the years as much as I do. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICHOLAS JERRY JONAS!!

Wish it. DREAM IT. Do it.

Katy My Lady

 (Warning, the first half of this post is reminiscing on my concerts throughout the years, Katy is the second half. On with the post!)

Hi there!

On July 21, 2014 I checked something off my bucket list. It was possibly the best night of my life so far. If you consider WE day a type of concert, then Katy Perry's Prismatic World Tour was my 11th concert and boy, does it take the cake!

When I was 6 or 7 years old (Maybe even 8!) I went to Hilary Duff's concert with Jenna. Here's a little jem from my first concert ever:

Ah the glow sticks! It was awesome.

When I was 11 years old, 2009, I went to my first Jonas Brothers concert, and my 2nd concert ever (I have photos somewhere and will upload them when I find them) Then in 2010 I went to another Jonas Concert:

THE HORROR!! I was so close to them and had the best time with my mom but 12 year old me is...interesting...

Then there was Selena Gomez, twice, in 2011. I'm 13 years old.

This was Ana's first concert! So happy I went with her.

The second time I went with Lindsey!

The prize for worst photos taken at a concert goes to....DARREN CRISS! I saw his concert in 2013 and he is just fantastic!!

No photos were taken of Lindsey and I at that concert (idiot)

Next, Jonas Brothers 2013 on July 18 and if you know anything about me, you know why that day was so special. I wont post my meet and greet photo again, but that was now the second best concert I've ever been to, but best Jonas concert. Age 15.

First concert with Jessica!

Fun fact! I was completely naked at this concert at one point

...

To change from my Meet and Greet dress to my romper and change undergarments too in the washroom

 (What kind of a girl do you think I am!?!) 

Later that summer, I went to my first "adult concert" and by that I mean not a teen sensation. I went to watch Depeche Mode with my mom, dad, and childhood best friend Kira

Next I was invited to WE day (Best lighting for any selfie award goes to WE day with Molina)

...I hope you knew that was sarcasm

At the beginning of the summer, another lovely best friend took me to see Michael Buble. Eleni is a mentor, a role model, a sister, and an all around lovely lady who I had the pleasure of meeting in grade 9. She's always there to lend an ear and a shoulder over a slice of cake. Without her, I don't know what I'd do. 

It was a great show! Thank you for taking me Eleni!

And that brings us to July 21, 2014...Are you ready?

Addison Perry, the One Legged Duck

Hello Lovlies!

Today I am talking about my weekend, in the middle of the week, at my best friends' cottage back at the beginning of July.

It was cold. It was rainy. But it was fun! I had a ton of fun with our good friend who visited us from Dubai, Karl, and his new girlfriend, Amber, I got to see my best friend for the first time in six months, and I hand-fed a wild, one-legged duck whom I've named Addison!

It actually took it from my hand before this photo was taken.

Addison Perry and all her glory (please correct me if it's a male)

And I almost died...

 This is how we try to test lighting...Even though it doesn't always work...Aren't these model photos just amazing!

 ^Take One

I'm smiling even though just before I was shrieking and was so scared of my life, not that I don't trust you JJ... but I seriously thought I'd die.

Hey Jenna, can we recreate this photo?

(Credit to whoever...I don't know where I got it from...It's saved on my computer.) Groffchele FTW!

I made the best waffles in the world as well. It was so amazing getting to be with my best friend whom I see 1-4 times a year...Remember the good ol' days when we'd see each other every other weekend? Good times, good times.

Wish it. Dream it. Do it.

The Worst Blogger in the World

...

Hi...

It's me again... Erica...

Now I know what you're thinking but I had reasons! Bad reasons...but reasons nonetheless! I'd get into all my lame excuses but...I doubt you actually care. If anyone is even reading this at all! If you are, I thank you and lets begin.

So, it's been about 6 months and though not much has changed a lot has changed at the same time! Still super into knitting (Harry Potter Gryffindor Scarf is sort of almost done), I'm currently crocheting a Mollie Flower Blanket (aka puffy flower) for my lovely Hannah Sophia (for those of you who don't know, that is one of my future daughter's name. I've had it chosen since I was 8 years old, I'll post about her and my other love, Tessa, later) and will keep you posted on the progress, I've gotten into embroidery (by hand) and it is very hard   I'm currently working on a map of the USA and will also keep you posted. Tomorrow my Vovo is coming over and teaching me how to sew! I'm making Abby Cadabby shorts with a matching button-up shirt and you've guest it! I will be keeping you posted on that too.

UPDATE: here they are. 100% designed by me. 75% made by Vovo, 25% made by me..I'm learning okay!!

Over the winter I developed the worst seasonal depression I've ever experienced. This winter... It was the worst winter I've ever experienced. It was long, cold, dark, and icy! After I finished my dad's scarf, I wanted to start one for me but didn't have the right colours and my mom also went through a hard time this winter and was in a lot of pain for a long time and couldn't take me anywhere. Those weeks were the saddest, loneliest, darkest, and coldest times of my life. Knitting was my saviour, my everything. I can't begin to explain the dramatic change I had when I started again. It helped me concur my demons and I'm so thankful that's over.
Here's my scarf process:

Once my happiness returned, I got into gardening. I had a successful indoor garden for a while but spring never came! All my plants died because they didn't have enough warmth or sunlight or space for that matter. I started over again and currently my garden is finally blooming! I have two poppies that finally came right now out of the many still left to come. They're some of my favourite flowers and I'm getting more and more excited each day! My gorgeous Plum coloured Dahlia bush is also beginning to bloom. It is beautiful! My Bachelor Buttons are also gorgeous too.

Let's review so far:
Still knitting a Gryffindor scarf, starting to crochet a blanket for Hannah, embroidering a map of the USA is difficult, starting to learn how to sew, and earning my green thumb.

I'm also volunteering at an acting camp for kids (the same one I attended many years ago) where they're putting on Disney's Frozen and I'm seeing Katy Perry on Monday...I can hardly wait to check another thing off my bucket list!!

And finally, before I let you go, Happy One Year Anniversary Nicholas! (July 18, 2013) It's been one year since I've met you and your brothers and wow what an incredible day that was! Each day when I walk into my office I see that gorgeous frame with our picture and all your autographs reminding me of one of the best days of my life. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm very excited to see everything the three of you have up your sleeve and hopefully our paths cross again really soon. All my love, Erica.

 

Shout out to my Rachel Berry Gold Star necklace which has gone EVERYWHERE with me for big events in my life (except Katy Perry...kicking myself in the head but oh well)

Wish it. Dream it. Do it, people. I am determined to do my best to be back for good!

Future Self Part 1

Hello lovelies!

Okay here's something I wanted to do for almost a month now (WAH!) and I wanted to do a video (which I still have hopes of doing so maybe I'll revisit this) but life happens, right?

Basically every year I want to write something to my future self and at the same time, keep a record of myself in this present moment so I can compare as the years go on. I'm sure this isn't making much sense to you right now but bear with me for a second.

With this being said, lets get started!

January 7, 2014

Hello world. My name is Erica Natasia K. I'm 16 years old and live in Toronto. There is a lot I want to say and I don't know how this will pan out but let's give it a shot. I'm going to state some statistics for you first.

Name: Erica
Name I wish I had: Nora
Age: 16
Age I wish I was: hmm...today I wish I was 30
Favourite colour: Red (even though I'd rather have something in pink, I can't bring myself to admit it's my FAVOURITE colour because red has been my favourite for 16 years)
Favourite colour combinations: Red and Frosty Blue or Red and Purple
One sentence describing who I think I should have been (This is a very vague question...): A green eyed, redhead from Arkansas
Celebrity crush: Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Jonathan Groff
Favourite female singer: Lea Michele. Katy Perry in a close second.
Favourite male singer: Nick Jonas and Darren Criss in a tie for first.
Favourite Band: Jonas Brothers
Favourite Cartoon movie(s): The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Lilo and Stitch, The Emperors New Groove, Frozen, Despicable Me 2, Madagascar
Favourite Disney Princesses: Ariel, Rapunzel, Belle, Anna
Favourite baby related rom-coms: Life As We Know It, The Backup Plan, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Juno, Baby Mama
Favourite Bridal Rom-coms: Bride Wars, 27 Dresses, Made of Honour
Favourite Movie Series: Harry Potter
Favourite Books: Bossypants- Tina Fey, all Harry Potter books, all Ellen books, Twilight saga, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, To Kill a Mockingbird
Favourite little kid book: FANCY NANCY!
Favourite Musicals: Wicked, A Very Potter Musical, Hairspray
Favourite TV shows: New Girl, Glee, The Mindy Project, Arrested Development, Toddlers & Tiaras, Cheer Perfection
If I were to walk in on you watching TV what channel will it probably be on?: HGTV or the Food Network
List of Celebrities you've Met/taken a picture with/gotten an autograph from: Emma Watson, Kristen Wiig, Daniel Radcliffe, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Jason Bateman, Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Bridgit Mendler, Taylor Swift, Mila Kunis, Adrian Brody, Kate Gosselin, Amy Poehler
Youtubers I watch: The ShayTards, Bratayley, KittiesMama, SuperMac18, NigaHiga, The Nive Nulls, Glozell, MR. ARTURO TREJO,
Favourite female celebs: Lea Michele, Katy Perry, Emma Watson, Amy Adams, Amy Poehler, Jennifer Garner, Katherine Heigle, Ellen DeGeneres, Taylor Swift, Melissa McCarthy, Sandra Bullock, Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Zooey Deschanel
Favourite male celebs: Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, Josh Duhamel, Channing Tatum,
Friends (in no order): Jessica, Lindsey Jenna, Maryam, Kianah, Callie, Victoria, Jaime, Charlotte, Yasmine, Molina,
Obsessions: Nail Polish (over 80 bottles), pinterest
New Skills: Make-up, Knitting
Hobbies: Photography, singing, acting, dancing, knitting, baking, shopping, writing, playing sims 2, playing with dolls,
TV shows or movies: TV shows
Favourite places in the world: New York City, Los Angeles, Disney World, London, Hawaii, Texas, Arkansas
Motto: Wish it. Dream it. Do it.
Mantra: This Too Shall Pass
Strong believer in: The Secret

What I want to be when I grow up: Actress (Specifically TV and Film)
Backup Plans: CPA, Midwife, Doula, Writer, Photographer, teacher
Short term future goals (within a year): Lose weight, get my headshots taken, get an agent
Favourite girls names: Alexis, Avia, Abigail, April, Aria, Cecily, Corey, Caroline, Ellie, Emma, Emmy, Eloise, Faith, Grace, Gracie, Hannah, Hattie, Hallee, Hermione, JoHannahBelle, June, Katie, Katherine, Kenzie, Lea, Lorelei, Lorraine, Lila, Macy, Mia, Nora, Penelope, Pippa, Poppy, Perry, Quinn, Rosalie, Sophia, Santana, Summer, Serena, Tilly, Tessa, Violet,
Favourite boys names: Brady, Chase, Chandler, Cooper, Connor, Carter, Dash, Finley, Jack, Josh, Liam, Mack, Malcolm, Noel, Ross, Schmidt, Seth, Will
Set in stone children's names: Hannah Sophia, Tessa Claire, (and if I have a boy...) Finley, Dash
Where I see myself in five years (age 21): In Los Angeles successfully perusing acting
Where I see myself in ten years (26): A successful actress living in America with my husband
Where I see myself at age 30: A famous Actress married with at least one child if not two happily living in America
If I could tell my past self one thing what would it be?: PLEASE 13 YEAR OLD ERICA, DO NOT GET ADDICTED TO SUGAR AGAIN AND WORK YOUR A** OFF PLEASE!
What would you ask your future self: Do you have a happy life and how'd you get to where you are today?

Maybe I'll come and revisit this post throughout the year because I have so much more to say but there's too much going on in my brain to remember. So I hope you enjoy this.

What would you tell your younger self if you could and what would you ask your future self?

Wish it dream it do it.