AmazingGreis

Much Needed Getaway…

Greis — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:44 +0000

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!!

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2 comments | Post tags: Friends, travel

Wordless(ish) Wednesday – Views from My First Playoff Game…

Greis — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:23 +0000

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.

I’m a Texan…

Greis — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:00:23 +0000

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!!!

Twenty Twelve…

Greis — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:31:06 +0000

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.

I was able to visit one certain baby, her big sister and their amazing mom in September.

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!

Today, She’s ONE…

Greis — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:46:43 +0000

She is the light of my life.

I’m such a proud Aunt. I love you so much, Audrey.

Happy 1st Birthday baby girl!

Putting Myself Out There…

Greis — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:55:42 +0000

A few weeks ago I wrote THIS post for the Curvy Girl Guide.

I’ve made it no secret that I’ve struggled with body/self-esteem issues my entire life. I’ve also made it no secret that my love life has always been pretty non-existent. Sure, I’ve had the occasional “boyfriend” and we’ve gone on “dates” but as for a “real” relationship…I’ve never been in one. I blame myself for this. My self-image has always held me back. I can’t fix it if I don’t own it, right?

The past few weeks I’ve made BIG strides in life. I’ve done things that are out of character. Things that I never thought I would do. I’m finally at a point where I’m feeling confident in myself. The things I’ve done haven’t been HUGE milestones, but they’re baby steps in the right direction.

What have I done, you ask?

1. I contacted a guy through Facebook and suggested that we meet up for drinks or coffee. I wasn’t necessarily suggesting a date, but more of a getting to know you type of thing. Not a big deal, really, right? Well, it was kind of big deal for me. I’m so afraid of rejection, and putting myself out there like that totally opens me up to rejection.

The good news is I wasn’t fully rejected. He responded a few days later and said he thought the idea was great and would get back to me in a day or so to let me know what his schedule looked like.

The bad news is I haven’t heard from him since. I’m not sure that I expected him to get back to me at all, so I’m not super disappointed, though drinks or coffee sounded like fun.

2. I reactivated my Match.com account. I’ve tried my hand at on-line dating in the past with no luck. Something about it totally creeps me out, but I know a lot of people who swear by it, so I figured I’d give it another chance. I may not find “love” but I’m sure there will be some great blog fodder to come, so stay tuned.

3. I’ve been seeing a therapist. I’ve never seen a therapist before, because I never really felt like I needed it, oh how I was wrong. I started my weekly sessions a few weeks after my apartment was broken into. The anxiety had started to build and friends had suggested talking to someone about it might help. I look forward to my weekly appointment now. It’s been so freeing to go in every week and talk about issues that have ailed me for so long. My anxiety has subsided and I feel like I’m closing the gap on so many other internal issues. Talking it out has definitely worked for me.

I don’t expect to be fixed overnight, but can see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I’m surely moving in the right direction. Putting myself out there is proving to be easier than I had originally thought.

A Year Older…

Greis — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:24:36 +0000

33

Today I turn a year older. Some might say I’m wiser, but that’s still up for debate!

Every year seems to go by faster and faster…will that ever change? Will time ever slow down? Probably not, but regardless of how old I get I love celebrating my birthday.

It never gets old counting down to the BIG day, though I’m sure my friends and family could do without the weeks of hype. I start celebrating November 1, because everyone should celebrate for an entire month, duh! And by celebrating I mean my days are the same as any other, just one day closer to the day of my birth, because I’m a pretty boring person.

Something you might not know about me is that I love reading my horoscope. I check it daily. I especially love reading it on my birthday. Here’s what my horoscope says today…

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 13). A new circle will embrace you this year. You’ll connect with someone special in 2012. Your ego will be gratified at first, but soon enough, it’s your heart that really benefits. With a few key diplomatic maneuvers you make in January and February, you’ll be exactly where you want to be at work. Cancer and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 1, 44, 38 and 17.

I don’t usually read too much into my horoscope, but today’s words really called out to me. I look forward to seeing what the coming year has in store. I also hope that the part about someone special and work do come through! And if that work is in another state, preferably North Carolina, that would be awesome!!!

My Birthday Wish List 2012:

Justin Timberlake
A Texans Win
Eggies
Making out with Adam Levine while at the Carnival Magic debut today
Making out with Justin Timberlake, or you know a tweet from Justin would suffice

My wish list is all fun and games. I’m a lucky girl with great friends and an amazing family. I think I’m set for a very LONG time.

Here’s to another FABULOUS year!

For Maddie…

Greis — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:40:06 +0000

11/11/11 – today would be Maddie’s 4th birthday.

Instead it’s the 3rd birthday that my friends Heather & Mike are spending without her.

To raise money for Friends of Maddie, the charity they started to honor Maddie’s memory, Mike & Heather have recorded the song You Are the One. It was a song that Mike originally wrote for Heather, but now carries a new meaning in their life.

For Maddie’s 4th Birthday I hope that you will all consider spending a dollar and downloading the song. All proceeds will go directly to Friends of Maddie and help with their 2012 expansion.

Read more about the song and it’s meaning here.

Download the song from iTunes here.

Happy Birthday, sweet Maddie! You are loved and missed so very much!

One Moment in Time…

Greis — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:51 +0000

When I think of picture-taking and special moments I think about parents. I think about how parents want to capture every moment with their children on camera. The memories that they want to remember forever and those that they want to share with family and friends. Parents want to be able to look back in 10 or 20 years and remember every moment as if it were yesterday.

As a single woman I’ve never felt as compelled to capture every moment on camera, because quite honestly there have never been that many “special” moments . I’ve always carried my point and shoot camera in my purse, but it rarely sees the light of day. We live in the day of camera phones and I’ll be the first to admit that my iPhone camera is the first thing I pull out when I need to take a quick picture.

There are, however, some special moments in life that I must capture with my “real” camera. The most recent special event that stands out in my mind is the day my niece was born. For months we all prepared for her arrival and I wanted to be sure to capture the moment of my family meeting her for the first time with my “good” camera.

I will never forget the pure love that emitted from my parents as they met their first grandchild. It was definitely love at first sight for us all.

I will never forget the joy on my brothers face as he gazed at his newborn daughter, the love of his life even though she was only a few hours old.

These are the moments that I never want to forget and now thanks to Kodak I never will.

*******************************************************************

October 17–23 is Free Kodak Prints week! Kodak is offering every person who “likes” their facebook page, 20 free 4×6 prints!

Click “like” on the KODAK Facebook page and you’ll receive a coupon for 20 free prints at a local KODAK Picture Kiosk. To enhance and share your memories, you can now easily access and print images from your friends’ FACEBOOK albums (in compliance with FACEBOOK Privacy Rules), in addition to your own albums, directly from the KODAK Picture Kiosk. To find one near you, click HERE. National retailers include Target and CVS/Pharmacy. To sweeten the pot, Kodak has partnered with the popular Tumblr blog, My Parents Were Awesome. You can submit your own photos to the My Parents Were Awesome Facebook Page throughout Free Prints Week and enter to win a Kodak prize package.

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Kodak, but the thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Hump Day Randomness…

Greis — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:00:37 +0000

It’s been a month since I last posted. My only excuse is that every time I sit down to write the words just don’t come. So today I’m going to catch you up on what’s been happening with me. Really, it’s just going to be a few random blurbs about things that have been going on with me the past 6 weeks.

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My apartment was broken into 6 weeks ago. I was at work when the break-in happened. All of my most valuable things (except for my television) were taken. All the things taken were material items and they are all replaceable. Luckily I have renters insurance, or I’d be screwed, but OH.EM.GEE it still hurts.

To know that someone was in my apartment and went through all of my things has been mind numbing. The incident occurred the day before my trip to North Carolina to visit Cindy. Leaving town so soon after everything happened was a godsend. I was able to put it out of my mind, for the most part, and enjoy time with a great friend.

Returning back to the apartment was not as easy. I struggled to sleep the first few nights back home and I still struggle with anxiousness and paranoia when I arrive home from work every day. I’m so ready to feel “normal” again. It will come with time, I’m sure. Right?

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I was recently tested for allergies. My results came back and it turns out I’m allergic to pretty much EVERYTHING outside. It’s a wonder I’ve survived this long.

To help get my allergies under control I decided to start allergy injections. I went in for my first injection appointment on Monday. It was pretty painless and everything seemed to go well. The nurse was a little concerned about one of the injection sites and told me to keep an eye on it and that if it became swollen or uncomfortable to call.

I went back to work.

As the afternoon progressed my arm became red, very itchy, was tender to the touch and it became very swollen. Apparently the serum that was injected was too strong and I was having an allergic reaction. I called the doctor’s office and I was instructed to take a Benadryl, apply Benadryl Cream to the affected area and that if it was still swollen in the morning a prescription would be called in.

I woke up Tuesday morning still itchy and swollen and was prescribed an oral steroid pack for the week, be jealous Barry Bonds. I go back to the doctor Monday to give allergy injections another try, this time with a diluted serum. Lets hope there are no bad reactions.

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I have a candy bowl at my desk that I frequently keep filled for my co-workers. For the most part I do a good job at staying away from the candy, partly because I usually fill the bowl with candy I don’t like.

On Monday, I filled the bowl with Starbursts. It was filled with mostly yellow and orange candies, because those are the ones I don’t like, but there were a few pink and red squares mixed in.

On Tuesday morning as I glanced at the bowl I noticed that among all the orange and yellow there was ONE pink square remaining. I promptly ate the fruity goodness. As I bit down on the candy I felt something crunch. Turns out a Starburst square is very powerful. The gooey candy pulled my filling out. Now there is a very large hole in my back molar. Lucky for me it doesn’t hurt too badly and now I must go see the dentist. I’m so excited!!

The moral of this story is just say no to the candy in the candy dish, because it will rot your teeth and pull out a filling. Lesson learned!

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So, do you feel caught up? What’s been going on with all of you?