January 22nd, 2013 / 3 Comments » / by Greis
I’ve been in a writing funk for some time now. I have so much to say, yet when I sit to write I just can’t formulate my thoughts enough for a blog post. One day I’ll get my writing mojo back. Until then I’m totally following Emily‘s lead and stealing her post…which she totally stole from someone else. We’re all a bunch of blog post thieves around these parts.
Enjoy and happy Tuesday!!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope, but my dad did come up with the spelling.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Sunday. It probably had something to do with my feelings and my friend De being mushy and telling me how AWESOME I am.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Most of the time, yes. There is that rare occasion when I’m writing too fast and it’s not pretty.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Brown Sugar Honey Ham (on wheat with white cheddar jalapeno cheese!)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No, but I have a pretty amazing niece!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Sarcasm? What’s that?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, yes I do.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I always think I’d bungee jump, it sounds fun. But then I think back to the time when I went all the way to the top of the platform diving board, at the public pool, and then chickened out and had to walk all the way back down. Talk about a walk of shame.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Lucky Charms, it’s those damn marshmallows…I love them!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I like to think I’m physically strong, but mentally…I have my moments.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Blue Bell, anything Blue Bell. It’s the BEST ice cream in the country, or Texas, whatever!
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes…I’m an eyes girl.
15. RED OR PINK?
My favorite color is red.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My body. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, but O.M.G. the loose and droopy skin is making feeling great about myself so hard. I could also stand to lose another 30 – 40 pounds.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
I miss my Godkids and their parents all the time…I need to plan a trip to Arkansas soon. I also miss Cindy and her girls to pieces. A trip to North Carolina needs to be planned too!
18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Technique…this question could go so many places.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I’m not wearing shoes right now.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
I had pancakes for dinner. What? Don’t judge me!
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The local news is on the television, they are currently discussing the inauguration.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Sweet and Spicy Red…what? That’s not a real color?!?
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
I love the smell of gasoline…yes, I realize this is weird. I also love the smell of vanilla.
24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
My views are important to me because they are mine, but I will never discuss them openly. I learned that the hard way.
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Both options sound pretty amazing to me. I do, however, love a good beach!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Houston Astros baseball, Houston Texans football and Texas Longhorns football. Seriously, though, I can watch any baseball or football that just so happens to be on my television.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Right now, it’s Dark Auburn.
28. EYE COLOR?
Hazel
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes, until my eyes rebel and then it’s my glasses for a day or two.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
I love all foods. Mexican, Chinese, cheese, bread…I’m an equal opportunity food lover.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I don’t do scary movies, EVER. I’m a happy endings kind of girl!
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
In the theater – Gangster Squad
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
I’m in my pajamas…which consists of a pink sports tank.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter…because Texas summers suck!
35. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Anything chocolate!
36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio
37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer while the television blares in the background.
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
People, other than my parents, still use mouse pads?
40. FAVORITE SOUND?
The sound of my niece giggling. She’s the best!
41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
I’m a top 40 or Country girl.
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Puerto Rico
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Not one that I can list here!! *ahem*
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Germany
45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Deep in the Heart of Texas
46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
I live in an apartment. It has various colors.
47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
White
48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
It was definitely easier than trying to write something.
Posted in: meme
Tags: 48 Questions, All About ME
January 1st, 2013 / 4 Comments » / by Greis
Another year has flown by way too fast. 2012 was filled with lots of friends (new and old), laughs, family, bar hopping, gossiping and all kinds of extra shenanigans. It was a great year. 13 is my favorite number so I’m hoping 2013 will be filled with a lot of the same.
Because I’m a follower, thanks to Cindy, here’s my 2012 year in review meme. Enjoy.
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
A few things I did are absolutely not blog worthy. One thing I did that I was pretty proud, yet surprised, of was standing up for myself when I thought I was being wronged. I’ve always had an issue with standing up for myself in certain types of situations, so this was a pretty big step for me.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, as usual I did not stick to my resolution. I did go to the gym often, but not often enough. Better luck in 2013, right?
I’ve made no resolutions for 2013, but I have set some goals.
1. Read at least ONE book a month.
2. Be a better friend.
3. Be a better money manager.
4. Eat “healthier”.
This list will probably get more added to it as the year progresses.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few friends near and far gave birth and lots are expecting in 2013.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
I did not leave the United States, yet again. I traveled quite a bit in 2012, but it was all limited to the great U S of A. (North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Wisconsin & Illinois)
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Less debt. I don’t have a whole lot of debt, but what I do have is a lot to me. I’d love to get the little debt that I do have under more control. Paying off a credit card would be a really heavy weight lifted off my shoulders.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 6, August 18, August 31 – all special dates with a friend.
There were so many other days that made 2012 so memorable…dinner with friends, Astros games with friends, crying in bars, hotel rooms, trips out-of-town with friends and to visit friends, blogging conferences and time with family. 2012 was a pretty memorable year.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I didn’t accomplish anything greater than normal, but I think that standing up for myself was a pretty big deal.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight loss. I veered off track and gained weight in 2012. Nothing drastic, of course, but it’s extra weight that I know I need to lose. I’m hoping to get back on the weight loss track in 2013.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope, I was illness & injury free in 2012. Hope this streak continues into 2013!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I bought a ticket to the Texans first ever play-off game on January 7 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. It was one of the most amazing game day atmospheres that I’ve ever experienced, 2nd only to the 1st ever regular season game on September 8, 2002 vs. the Dallas Cowboys. They topped it off with a win. It was pretty exciting for me and the entire city of Houston.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I’ve got nothing for this. I have no clue.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I’ve got nothing for this one either. Absolutely no clue.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Where does most of my money always go? BILLS, boo!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I was really excited about attending the first ever Texans play-off game January 7. I was also very excited about a lot of dates with a friend through out the year. I’m pretty sure I was pretty excited about a lot of other things, but my memory is not as great as it used to be.
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
“Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” – Thompson Square
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter, not by much, but fatter none the less.
c) richer or poorer? About the same.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Saving money. I’m a horrible saver. I really need to work on that.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating junk. I still eat pretty good, but I’ve definitely found myself eating more junk in the past year. I need to refocus on my goals and cutback on the junk food.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
I headed over to my parents house bright and early Christmas morning to open presents with my brother, his girlfriend and my niece. I then headed home to finish baking and then spent the evening at my Aunt’s house with family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Wow, love is a very BIG word. I did fall for someone, pretty hard, but I wouldn’t call it love (partly because the word “love” scares the shit out of me). I’d call it LIKE. A lot of LIKE!!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
I absolutely love 2 Broke Girls. It makes me laugh out loud weekly!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope, I have no time for hating.
24. What was the best book you read?
I didn’t read as much as I would have liked this year. I finally gave in and read the Hunger Games trilogy and LOVED it. I also really enjoyed Gone Girl, well you know, until the end!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I fell in love with all things Luke Bryan in 2012. I’d really like to be drunk on him!
26. What did you want and get by year’s end?
I wanted a new dresser and finally got one for Christmas. Yay, thank you Santa!!
27. What did you want and not get by year’s end?
A winning lottery ticket! BUMMER!
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved The Hunger Games and Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2. I also went to see Les Miserables this past weekend, I was afraid I’d hate it and absolutely LOVED it.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 34. On the actual day I went to work and had dinner with my parents. The day after I met a friend for lunch, best birthday lunch date ever, and then had family dinner at a local Mexican food joint. My friends De, Jen, Nicole and Kim took me to dinner and then out for drinks on the Saturday after my birthday. It was a night of laughter and “junk rubs”, long story, but it was so much fun!!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Everyone knows that I live and die by my favorite sports teams, so a better year from the Astros would have made the summer more enjoyable. Minus the month of December the Texans made football season lots of fun!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Do I even have a fashion concept? No, I’m pretty sure I don’t. I like comfortable. You’ll usually find me in jeans and flip-flops.
32. What kept you sane?
My friends. It’s so amazing to have a group of friends that I know I can always talk to without being judged. They’re always there to listen and will give me great advice when I need it, even if I don’t always follow it. You know who you are and I love you all!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Justin Timberlake, and unfortunately he married the wrong girl. If only he’d given me a chance!!
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don’t really get stirred too much by politics. I have my views and others have theirs. I’ve learned that discussing any of it publicly usually ends in fights and disagreements, so I don’t!
35. Who did you miss?
I miss my Godkids and their parents so much. I hate that I didn’t get a chance to make a trip to Arkansas to see them in 2012. Hoping to rectify that in 2013.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I met some really great friends in 2012. Some whom I knew but really got to know and others that I met for the first time. All are connected to me through my love for the Astros. It was a great year for new, and old, friendships. I’m so thankful!!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
Love, or lots of LIKE, can happen at the most unexpected time with the most unexpected person. Don’t ever be afraid to care too much or show too much emotion.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“If only you saw what I can see
You’ll understand why I want you so desperately
Right now I’m looking at you and I can’t believe
You don’t know you’re beautiful”
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction
Happy New Year y’all! Hope 2013 is better than ever!!
Posted in: meme
Tags: 2012, 2013, All About ME, Friends, Houston Astros, Houston Texans, Twenty Thirteen
December 25th, 2012 / 2 Comments » / by Greis
From my family to YOURS….
Wishing you all a very happy holiday and the grandest of new years!!
I have high hopes for 2013 and hope it’s great for all of you too!
Posted in: Uncategorized
November 13th, 2012 / 2 Comments » / by Greis
Thirty four years ago, in a far off place (Germany), my parents welcomed me into the world. I was happy, healthy and SIX entire weeks early. Yes, apparently, I was spoiled even way back then, no Christmas birthday for me!!
Today I will celebrate another year gone by. There will be family, friends and CAKE, lots of cake. (I’m working out with my trainer for an hour ON my birthday, that definitely justifies any and all cake that I consume. Don’t judge me!)
I had a pretty amazing 33rd year and hope that my 34th year will be just as fantastic. I look forward to more time with family, more time with friends and making myself (and my health) a bigger priority!!
But for now, TODAY, I just want some cake and for Justin Timberlake to tweet me birthday wishes!!
(He ran off and got married, not to me, it’s the least he could do, right?)
Posted in: Random
Tags: 34, All About ME, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to ME, Justin Timberlake, Thirty Four
October 29th, 2012 / 8 Comments » / by Greis
Wow, has it really been so long (over 4 months) since my last post? My break from blogging was not on purpose, I’ve just been in the midst of a writing funk. So many nights I’d sit down to write here in my little corner of the Interwebz and the words they just would not come. How do you break out of a funk that seems never-ending?
I’m hoping this post will help get me back into some sort of writing groove, because I miss it.
Those of you that know me, even if it’s just “knowing” me from the World Wide Web, know that I’ve been single FOREVER! I’ve made it no secret that I enjoy my singleness, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve started longing for more. I see friends and family in relationships, getting engaged, getting married and having kids. I’m not 100% sure where my life will lead me, but I do know that I would love to have all of those life experiences at some point, and as my mother likes to point out (too often!)….I’m not getting any younger. (I’ll be 34 in 15 days, woot!)
While I’ve been away I’ve found myself in what I like to call a new “friendship”, a “relationship” of sorts, but more complex. I haven’t discussed it online at all, because well it’s personal and hard to explain and well we’re just friends. I’ve known him for a while and never in a million years thought we’d “hit it off” the way we have in recent months, but we have. We talk, a LOT, we enjoy each other’s company, even though it’s limited and well we just really get along.
Will this “relationship” lead to more, probably not. In fact, there’s no probably about it, this “relationship” is one of friendship and fun and that’s it. It’s a “relationship” that I will continue to enjoy until things change. That’s about as in-depth as I’ll get here.
The one thing I’m struggling with right now are my feelings.
Spoiler Alert: it doesn’t matter how much weight I lose or how happy I am in life I still have self-esteem issues. I will likely ALWAYS have self-esteem issues.
He says I’m beautiful, but I don’t believe him.
He says he likes me the way I am, but I still see so many faults.
He says I’m smart, but how can a college drop-out be smart?
I can be 100% myself around him, but sometimes I feel like the real me is a turn off.
All of these thoughts and then some rise to the surface on a daily basis. The logical me knows that what he says is true but the judgmental me refuses to listen, to really listen to what he says and accept it as fact. Why can I never accept the “good” without dwelling on the “not so good?” Why can’t I take the compliments and let someone like me for me? Why must I always feel like there are stipulations to the compliments?
Why must my emotions always be so damn confusing?
When I lost the weight and became “HAPPY” again I just assumed the self-esteem would correct itself. It seems I still have some work to do in that department!
So, tell me friends, how do you work on your self-esteem?
Posted in: Uncategorized
June 6th, 2012 / 5 Comments » / by Greis
I miss North Carolina! (and Cindy too!)
Posted in: Friends, Photos
Tags: Cindy, Friends, Wordless Wednesday
May 30th, 2012 / 1 Comment » / by Greis
I have a new BIG GIRL camera. I’ve had it for a few months now and I love it so much. Sure I still have no clue how to use it properly (it’s on automatic), but even on automatic it takes some very amazing pictures. This is a hobby I can not wait to learn more about and get better at.
I figure practicing helps. And I do have the most adorable niece ever…so why not practice on her, right? So, as a surprise to her mom for Mother’s Day I picked Audrey up for the afternoon, we bought a new outfit and we headed to the park to take pictures.
I may be a little biased, but I think they turned out great!
You can see the entire set of pictures HERE.
Posted in: Family, Photos
Tags: Audrey, Photography, Wordless Wednesday
May 21st, 2012 / 12 Comments » / by Greis
It’s that time of year again. It’s Swimsuit Confidence Week. The week where The Curvy Girl Guide, Lands’ End and Self magazine promote swimsuit confidence, because EVERYONE should feel confident enough to wear a swimsuit this summer.
As a part of Swimsuit Confidence Week , we at the Curvy Girl Guide have put ourselves out there, in our bathing suits, for the entire Internets to see. We are encouraging you all to do the same. Go out there take a picture of yourself (or have someone take it for you) in your swimsuit and post it on-line. Show the world that you are confident and ready for fun in the sun this summer.
As an added bonus, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a side-by-side of my 2011 & 2012 swimsuit pictures. Oh, wow I’ve changed.
If I can pose in my swimsuit…so can you!!
Be CONFIDENT!!
Posted in: Random
Tags: Curvy Girl Guide, Lands' End, SELF Magazine, swimsuit, Swimsuit Confidence
May 4th, 2012 / 6 Comments » / by Greis
Recently, while talking to a friend about something sports related, he said, “Wow, you really do know your sports!”. My initial thought was “Do you know nothing about me at all?”, because obviously, and then I died a little because HELL YEAH I DO!! I was raised right, yo!
I’m a sports fanatic. I take pride in my sports love. It’s one of those pieces of me that will never change, but don’t worry, we can still be friends if you don’t like sports. However, I can’t date you if you’re a fan of the Baby Bears, the Red Birds or that NY team…I do have standards.
When it comes to my favorite teams (Astros, Texans, Longhorns) I’m as loyal a fan as you’ll ever meet. I root for them in the best of times and I’m still there cheering in the worst of times. I live in Houston, let’s be honest, there have been a LOT of bad sports times here.
My first true (sports) love is baseball. I haven’t missed an opening day in over 20 years and most seasons I make it to more than 60% of the home games (there are 81 total). Minute Maid Park is one of my “happy places”. It’s where I feel most content and stress-free, unless the Astros are in play-off contention and then I’m a big ball of nerves. I go watch the game and forget about life for a few hours. It truly is one of the few things that makes me really happy!
As a fan you become connected to the players. You grab hold of one or two that you deem your “favorite” and you hope that he sticks around for a very long time. Sometimes your favorite will stick around forever (Craig Biggio) and other times (Lance Berkman) you’ll find yourself crying in the middle of Target (true story) as the news that he’s been traded makes its way to you.
The Astros are in a re-building stage right now. They are a “young” team, of relatively unknown players, that is still trying to find its groove. They’ve been a whole lot of fun to watch, just one month into the season, already exceeding a lot of people’s really low expectations for them. At the start of the season, last month, I was content to not have a “favorite” player. I was ready to take on all the new faces and cheer for them all equally.
My root for everyone equally mindset lasted all of one week, because that’s when I found my new “favorite” player, or as I like to call him on Twitter, #MyBaseballBoyfriend. His name is Travis Buck and I think I may have a slight obsession with him now. I was immediately drawn to his smile and his good looks, but as I’ve watched him play more intently I’ve fallen in love with Travis Buck the baseball player.
And then this happened…
and I fell in LOVE with him even more.
I’ve met a lot of ball players in my 33 years. Only a few have made me nervous. Travis can now be added to that list. You can’t tell from the picture but I felt like a giddy 13 year-old, racing heart and shaky hands included. I can only assume it’s the same way I’ll fee, times 100, if/when I ever meet Justin Timberlake.
Mark my words, Travis Buck will be a household name in Houston by seasons end, and I just hope that he always remembers the fan who loved him FIRST!
Posted in: Sports
Tags: #MyBaseballBoyfriend, Craig Biggio, Houston, Houston Astros, Lance Berkman, Major League Baseball, MLB, Sports, Travis Buck
