Petawawa

Natasha Collins

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Natasha Collins.

Hi, Natasha! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Natasha Collins. I’ve been married for 16 years this summer, and I’m a busy mom of two kids, usually found at swim meets, school events, or juggling the day-to-day chaos that comes with a full family schedule.

I work in administrative support/reception for the Town of Petawawa, and when I’m not there, you’ll usually find me running between activities, cheering from the pool deck, or trying to keep up with everything life throws at me.

A few fun facts about me: I can get a little intense about a good song and will happily listen to it on repeat until everyone around me questions my choices, I tend to over-organize things just for the satisfaction of it being “just right,” and I fully believe snacks are essential for survival. I also love a good laugh and don’t take myself too seriously.

I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone and being part of the community.

Have you ever named your car?

 Absolutely! I firmly believe every car deserves a name. It just feels wrong not to give them a little personality.

My first was a Mazda 3, and naturally, she became Mazzie. Then came my truck, which was painted a gorgeous ruby red. After considering several options (for about five seconds), Ruby seemed perfect, and the name stuck.

These days, I drive Twila. Her official colour is ebony twilight, and Twila felt like the obvious choice.

What is your weirdest habit or trait?

Without question, it’s my uncontrollable reaction to those giant, wacky, inflatable tube people you see outside car dealerships and events. Whenever I spot one, I immediately throw my arms in the air, wave them around like I’m made of rubber, and yell, “Wacky Inflatables! Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!”

It doesn’t matter where I am or who I’m with. I simply cannot resist. At this point, it’s less of a habit and more of a deeply ingrained reflex. If there’s a wacky inflatable in sight, my dignity is taking the day off.

What sound do you hate?

I’d have to say the sound of people eating, but if I’m being completely honest, sometimes breathing makes the list too! It’s not all eating or breathing, just the particularly loud, dramatic, impossible-to-ignore versions. You know, the chewing that somehow echoes across the room or the breathing that sounds like someone just finished running a marathon while sitting perfectly still. If it’s obnoxious enough to demand my attention, there’s a good chance it’s going to drive me a little bonkers!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Russia. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by the story of Anastasia, specifically the version where she lives, of course! Between the movies, the history, and the mystery surrounding the Romanovs, I was completely hooked. That childhood fascination turned into a lifelong dream of visiting the palaces and seeing the incredible architecture in person. There’s something about standing in a place you’ve only ever imagined that makes history feel real, and for me, those palaces have always been at the top of the list.

If you had to become a breakfast cereal, which one would you choose and why?

That’s a surprisingly tough question! I’d probably go with Trix or Fruity Pebbles. They’re colourful, fun, and unapologetically kid-at-heart — qualities I like to think I share. I’ve always loved bright colours, and I don’t take myself too seriously, so becoming a cereal that’s cheerful, a little playful, and brings a bit of fun to the breakfast table seems pretty fitting. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a rainbow of sugary happiness?

What would be your trademark karaoke song?

Without a doubt, “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot. Is it because I can sing it particularly well? Absolutely not. Is it because I know every word and fully commit to the performance? Absolutely. If I’m doing karaoke, I’m not aiming for a record deal. I’m aiming for maximum entertainment value. “Baby Got Back” is one of those songs that gets everyone laughing, singing along, and questioning my music choices all at once. It’s a classic, and I stand by it!

If you were transformed into a flower, which type of flower would you choose to be?

Definitely a peony. I’ve always loved them. They’re beautiful, a little dramatic, and somehow manage to be both elegant and fun at the same time. Their blooms are impossible to ignore, and for the short time they’re around each year, they steal the show. Plus, if I have to spend my life as a flower, I might as well be one of my favourites!

If you could choose to have a superpower, which one would you pick?

Hmm. I’d probably choose invisibility. Partly because it would be incredibly useful, and partly because I’m curious enough that I’d love to quietly observe what’s going on without anyone knowing I’m there. Whether it’s people-watching, sneaking into places I’m not supposed to be (for completely harmless reasons, of course), or just disappearing when I don’t feel like being social, it seems like a superpower with a lot of possibilities. Let’s be honest — I’d probably use it for something far less heroic, like avoiding awkward conversations or startling my friends and family.

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Natasha.

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Howdy, Neighbour will take a break for the summer and return on September 11 with Laura Hanek.