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
April 19th, 2012 / 3 Comments » / by Greis
OK, so I haven’t been here, in my tiny “space” on the interwebs, for a few weeks. Just wanted to check in and let you all know that I’m still alive and kicking and doing mostly well.
I’m going through a rough patch right now. It’s nothing serious, I’m just down and out about so many different things. Some of these things are posts written in my head waiting to be put here, other things I can’t really talk about in this space, because you just never know who’s reading.
I’m currently wrapped up in the baseball season (Go Astros!), work and other amazingly stressful situations, like Oh Emm Gee my lease is up in 20 days and I don’t know where I’m going to live yet! Who wants to come over and pack? Bueller, Bueller…
So, yes, I’m stressed, and once things settle down I’m hoping to be back and writing a little more frequently, because it helps.
Until then you can find me over at the Curvy Girl Guide discussing “healthy” fast food options (yes, there are options!) and over at Tales from the Juice Box discussing the Astros broken curse.
How are you doing?
Posted in: Random
Tags: moving, Randomness, stress
March 21st, 2012 / 2 Comments » / by Greis
The 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has ended. It was 3 weeks of fun, food, concerts and animals galore. I made it out to 6 shows this year and had a blast each night. I look forward to the Houston Rodeo every year and I’m always sad to see it end. Here are just a few of the pictures that I took during the 2012 season.
I’m already looking forward to Rodeo Houston 2013!
You can check out my entire set of Rodeo Houston pictures HERE.
Posted in: Photos, Random
Tags: Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrell Racing, Brad Paisley, Bull Fighters, Bull Riding, Calf Scramble, Chuckwagon Races, Lady Antebellum, Livestock, Miranda Lambert, Mutton Bustin', Rodeo Clowns, Rodeo Houston, The Band Perry, Wordless Wednesday, Zac Brown Band
March 20th, 2012 / 12 Comments » / by Greis
It’s always so hard for me to put my conference experience into words. This time has been no different. It’s been 3 weeks since I returned from Nashville and my first ever trip to Blissdom. It’s taken me 3 weeks to gather my thoughts and post them here in my little space on the Internets.
Prior to my trip I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. As is the case with all conferences you hear things, but until you actually experience it you just never know how you’ll feel or react to any given social situation. I approached Blissdom with open arms, ready to take on the weekend with gusto. It turns out Blissdom and I were a great match. I had an amazing time!
Blissdom is:
~ New Friends
~ Old Friends
~ Learning
~ Finding my Passion
~ Laughter
~ Unwinding
~ Releasing my inner 15-year-old (thank you Joe Jonas and your rose!)
~ Rascal Flatts
~Ogling Chris Mann with Shireen
~ Dancing
~ Listening
~ Connecting
~ Amazing Guacamole #guactribe
~ Waterfalls
~ Picture Taking
~ Photo Walking
~ Babies
~ Hugs
Blissdom was:
~ staying up late with amazing roommates laughing until we fell asleep. (How did we not get a roommate group picture?)
~ meeting new friends and feeling like you’ve known them your entire life, and then counting down the days until you might be able to see them again.
~ re-connecting with old friends, you know, the ones you see once or twice a year, but wish you lived closer so you could hang out more.
~ late night hotel bar-hopping.
~ excessive amounts of canned whipped cream. (For the record whipped cream and beef jerky go well together!)
~ getting lost in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel a LOT and jumping for joy when you realize that the touch screen maps will print out directions for you.
~ being around women (and some men) that totally get me. The people who know how important my on-line life is and understand the real bonds and friendships that are formed.
From start to finish my entire Blissdom experience was one I will never forget. I came back totally rejuvenated and ready to get back to writing, you know, if only life would stop getting in the way!
Thank you to everyone that I met along the way. I’m already counting down the days to next year!!
**For more pictures of my adventures check out my Flickr!
Posted in: Blissdom
Tags: Blissdom 2012, bloggy friends, Chris Mann, Friends, Joe Jonas, Rascal Flatts
February 29th, 2012 / 7 Comments » / by Greis
It was an amazing weekend. I’ll be back tomorrow to tell you all about it!
Posted in: Blissdom
Tags: #MannFans, Blissdom, Blissdom 2012, Cadbury Creme Eggs, Chris Mann, Gaylord Opryland, Hershey's, Joe Jonas, Jonas Brothers, Nashville, Rascal Flatts
February 14th, 2012 / 6 Comments » / by Greis
Valentine’s Day is just another day, except it’s the only day of the year that reminds me of how lonely it is being single on the 14th of February.
For the first time in 33 years the loneliness of today has hit me hard. I’m not sure why it’s so different this year, you’d think I’d be used to it by now. But, somehow, this year is harder.
The realization that being the happiest I’ve ever been and still being alone may have something to do with it. Everyone assumes that once you become happy and find yourself everything else just kind of falls into place. I know it takes time for everything to come together and for “true” happiness. I guess I just thought I’d be heading down a different path by now. Patience, I don’t have it.
So, today, I’m still single and celebrating Valentine’s Day alone. I have a hot date with the new Reese Witherspoon movie, This Means War, tonight. There will be popcorn involved.
Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like a movie alone.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. Hope it’s filled with love, chocolate and booze!
Posted in: Random, Real Life, Uncategorized
Tags: Lonely, Movies, Reese Witherspoon, Single, This Means War, Valentine's Day
January 24th, 2012 / 2 Comments » / by Greis
I’ve never been one of those people who lets their vacation days at work go to waste. I get paid vacation and I will always use it, even if that means I stay home and do nothing. I start off every year saying I’m going to be sure to save a few days for the holiday season so that I can combine vacation with holiday days and have extra days off. It never happens. I’m usually out of vacation days by October. What can I say, I like to go places.
My first getaway of 2012 happened 12 days ago. I packed my bags, took 4 days off work and flew to North Carolina to spend the weekend with Cindy for her birthday. It was a much-needed trip.
When I visit Cindy we never have grand plans. It’s basically just a few days of hanging out with her and her kiddos, whom I adore. We talk, we laugh, I get to snuggle her girls, it’s a win/win for us all. This trip was no different and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Thank you Cindy for welcoming me into your home, yet again. So glad that I was able to spend your birthday with you and the girls. I can’t wait to do it again!!
Posted in: Friends, Vacation
Tags: Friends, travel
January 11th, 2012 / No Comments » / by Greis
The Houston Texans are in the playoffs and I was at their first game. It was the most amazing game atmosphere that I’ve ever witnessed in person. The day was made even more amazing when we won.
These are just a few of the days happenings.
Posted in: Random, Sports
Tags: Houston Texans, NFL, NFL Playoffs, tailgating
January 7th, 2012 / No Comments » / by Greis
Today, for the FIRST time in their 10 year existence, the Houston Texans will partake in an NFL playoff game. As a Texans fan, from the start, it’s been a LONG time coming.
Through countless injuries, to various starters, the team was able to win their division (AFC South) and bring a whole lot of excitement to the city of Houston.
I will be at the historical game this afternoon cheering on my favorite team as they battle the Cincinnati Bengals. Win, or lose, I’m proud of this team and even prouder to be a Texans fan!
Go Texans!!!
Posted in: Random, Sports
Tags: Houston Texans, NFL
January 2nd, 2012 / 13 Comments » / by Greis
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
I ran/walked a 5K in December. I hope to participate in another 5K or two in 2012.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any resolutions last year, but I did set some small goals. My resolution for 2012 is to make it to the gym at least 3 times a week no matter what.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, quite a few babies were born to good friends.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully!
5. What countries did you visit?
Again, just as in 2010, I stuck to the United States. Hopefully I’ll get a passport and become worldly one day.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More friendship. I’d like to meet new people and go out and do things more. A boyfriend wouldn’t hurt either.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
12/11/11 – the day the Texans clinched the AFC South division championship and their 1st ever play-off berth.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I was promoted to a new position within my company. It was a new opportunity that I had worked 3 years for.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I had hoped to go back to school. It just wasn’t in the cards, again. This is on my goal list for 2012, but I can make no guarantees.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was
hospitalized in
June for a sinus infection, but other than that I was as healthy as can be.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I bought a lot of things in 2011. Some of the best were my new laptop and the 46″ television I waited in line at Target on Black Friday Eve for.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My parents sold their house and are preparing to move into a new house.
My cousin received her white jacket in medical school, so proud of her.
13. Whose behavior appalled you?
I can’t think of any appalling behavior.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Most of my money went to bills. I did spend some on travel too.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I was very excited about the Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 release. I love me some sparkly vampires and weddings!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith – it was on constant repeat at the New Years Eve gathering I attended.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? About the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I would have traveled more. There are so many places I’d like to go, however it would require a bigger bank account.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
I wish I’d have not been so negative about myself. I am my worst critic and I’m hoping I’m not so hard on myself in 2012.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas here is the same every year. We spend the afternoon at my parents and then head to an Aunt’s house for the evening with family. This picture is Christmas Eve with my cousins.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
No, I’m hopeful for 2012.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
I watch way too much TV, but a new show that I really loved was 2 Broke Girls.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn’t discover any new great music, but I did love watching The Voice.
26. What did you want and get?
A new laptop.
27. What did you want and not get?
A new blog layout.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I saw so many great movies in 2011, it’s hard to pick just one as a favorite.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 33 in November. I celebrated the night before with family. I spent the day of my birthday at the Carnival Magic cruise ship unveiling with
Allison, complete with free alcohol and a Maroon 5 concert. Adam Levine, yummy!!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The Astros having a better season would have improved the year considerably! Yes, my life revolves around a lot of sports. What of it?
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I’m a jeans and flip flops girl. On a related note I’m not very fashion forward. I don’t really have a fashion concept.
32. What kept you sane?
Friends.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Justin Timberlake (this will never change!)
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I do not discuss politics ever. I’ve learned my lesson.
35. Who did you miss?
I missed my grandparents a lot this year (all 4 of my grandparents are deceased.) I also missed my God-kids and their parents. I must get out to Arkansas to see them in 2012.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I met a lot of new people this year. 2 of my most favorite people were
Allison and
Meg. I’ve known them both forever through blogging/twitter and finally got to meet them in face to face in 2011.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Follow your instincts, they’re usually right on.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it’s time, you’ll know
You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
‘Cause baby you’re a firework”
Firework – Katy Perry
Happy New Year Y’all!
I’m looking forward to what 2012 has in store, I have a feeling it will be my best year yet.
Hoping it’s great to all of you as well!
Posted in: meme, Random
Tags: 2012, Happy New Year, meme
