This should hold you over...

I've started writing my BlogHer post, really I have.
But ever since returning from Chicago I've been busy.
I'll sit down to write and things come up.
You know like work, family and flying roaches.

I tweeted about my distress and Issa came through for me in the clutch.
I now present to you my BlogHer recap, written by Issa.

"BlogHer rocked. I miss my peeps. Can't wait for next year. The end."

That pretty much sums up my entire weekend of AWESOMENESS.
This should hold you over til my "real" post is written, right?
Lets just hope that no more craziness happens and I should have a finished post before the end of the week, but definitely don't hold me to that. M'kay?

XOXO

Summer Fun...

I'm a little late with my post, but I hope that you all had a
SUPER FANTASTIC and relaxing 4th of July weekend.

My weekend consisted of:
The pool, sun, icy cold alcoholic beverages, the pool, the pool, the pool.
Oh, and did I mention I went to the pool?
It was pretty much 3 lazy summer days floating in the pool, eating and drinking way too much.
What more could you ask for during a typical Texas summer?

Hope your weekend was as productive as mine!
What did you do?

Almost Wordless Wednesday - The 1st Birthday Edition...

Happy 1st Birthday
Colton!

XOXO
"Auntie" G

I &hearts Faces - Week 24

It's week 24 of the I ♥ Faces photo challenge.

This weeks theme, in honor of Father's Day, is:
"Let's Hear it for the Boys ".

My Submission:This picture was taken over the weekend at my friend, Catherine's, house.
It was her son, Colton's, 1st birthday party.
It's hard work turning 1, and the little guy was exhausted.

If you would like to participate in the I ♥ Faces challenge head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy...

Happy Father's Day...
To my Daddy.
Thank you for ALWAYS loving me.
Thank you for ALWAYS standing by me.
Thank you for being YOU!

You are the greatest man I know and I'm so proud to call you DAD!
Today is all about YOU.
XOXO

Confirmation...

It's been no secret that I've been on a mission to lose weight this year.
I've documented my journey, on this here blog, since January.
There's even a weight tracker up there at the top, so everyone knows what I weigh. (Yeah, I'm crazy like that! LOL)
Losing weight has been a struggle for me my ENTIRE life.
It's easy to get discouraged when I don't see results as fast as I would like.
I know it took a long time to gain the weight, so I should never think that losing it will happen over night.
I've lost 23.4 pounds since January. It's a great number, I don't deny that.
I haven't gone down a pant size yet, but I did have to purchase a new bra. Go figure the one body part I'm TOTALLY OK with is the first thing to shrink. Could we share some wealth with my thighs and tummy? For realz?!?!?
While looking through some pictures today I found the confirmation I needed.
My face has LOST weight, and these pictures prove it.


August 2008


November 2008


May/June 2009

So, I may not be losing a BUNCH of weight in the places that I want, but every little bit counts and if it must come off the face and bewbs first I will embrace it and bid it farewell, FOREVER!

So, my question to you, The Internets, is what do you think?
Is there a noticeable difference?
Or am I smoking some really good crack?
Be honest, please.

Thanks bunches, can't wait to see what you think.
Have a SUPER week.

XOXO

I &hearts Faces - Week 23

It's week 23 of the I ♥ Faces photo challenge.

This weeks theme is "Sepia".

My Submission:

I'm entering another photo that I took at the Sugarland concert in Austin, TX on 4/30/2009.
This was my view of Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush from the 8th row.
If you ever get the chance to catch Sugarland in person, GO, they put on a FABULOUS show.

If you would like to participate in the I ♥ Faces challenge head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com.

Tag...I'm it!

I was tagged, for realz this time, by Headless Mom.

Did you hear she's one of my roomies at Blogher?
I know you're jealous!

It's the 6x6 photo meme.
Here's my photo:

This photo was taken over Memorial Day weekend.
It was our 1st Annual - Sink or Swim - Girls River Trip Weekend.
We had an absolute BLAST!
In the photo are my friends Carrie, Charlie, Vanessa & of course ME.
This was on Sunday night.
We were at the Jamey Johnson concert at the Whitewater Sports Live Music Amphitheater.
It was a night of great live music, great friends and COLD beer.
And yes, I may have been a little bit intoxicated when this picture was taken.
I'm just sayin'...

The rules:

1) Go to your photo files
2) Pick the sixth folder (open)
3) Pick the 6th photo
4) Write a story about the photo
5) Tag six people

I'll tag: Issa, Amy, Heather, Karen, Hebba & Spoiled Mommy.

Tag ladies...

You're IT!

16 things...

I was tagged, sort of, by Headless Mom.

She posted the "16 Things That I Can't Do Without This Summer" meme to her blog and rather than tag anyone she just left it open for anyone that wanted to "steal" it.
So I've totally taken it for my own bloggy use.

16 Things I Can't Do Without This Summer

☼ My iPhone/iPod
☼ SPF 4
☼ SPF 15 (for the face)
☼ Capri's
☼ Sunglasses
☼ Pool Float
☼ Strawberry Margaritas
☼ Astros Games
☼ Hand Sanitizer
☼ SONIC Ice
☼ Bathing Suit
☼ Work-outs
(#hotbyBlogher & my cruise)
☼ Blogher
(meeting new friends!)
☼ Books/Magazines
☼ My Parents Pool
☼ Fresh Fruit

Now it's your turn.
I'm not tagging anyone either, but I'd love to see your list.
If you decide to play along leave a link in my comments and I'll come check out your summer needs.

Have a HAPPY weekend.

Feelings, sometimes I wish they would #suckit...

**disclaimer**
If you are one of my "real life" friends, please read with caution.
You've been warned.

Every now and again I get this feeling.
A feeling that I hate.
A feeling that turns me into the jealous type.
A feeling I wish I could shake.
I've grown to learn it's unshakable.
It's just who I am.

This feeling takes me back to my high school days.
When I wasn't "cool" enough;
I wasn't "thin" enough;
I wasn't part of the "in" crowd.
I was always left out.

You would think the "feelings" would go away with age.
Yeah, apparently they don't.

I have a pretty BIG group of friends.
And when it comes to friendship I like to think that I'm as LOYAL as they come.
I like to make sure that EVERYONE is included when outings happen.
If I'm going to a game, a bar, a concert I always invite.
I.ALWAYS.INVITE.
So why is it that I'm ALWAYS left out?
Yes, I know if you're going out on a "school" night I will likely not join in.
But the invite, that's all I'm asking for.
One little phone call or text saying "Hey we're going to (fill in the blank), you want to come?"
Is that too much to ask?

Sure, I may be over-reacting.
But it's not a one time feeling.
It happens all the time.
And I'm at the point where I just want to say to hell with it.
If you want to see me, you want me to go out, then you're going to have to call me.
I'm done with calling and asking what the plans are.

Is this a wrong feeling?
Should I just see a therapist and get over it?
Will medication be involved?

**I realize I may regret posting this, but they're my feelings and I'm posting anyways.**

I &hearts Faces - Week 18

It's week 18 of the I ♥ Faces photo challenge.

This weeks theme is "Laughter".
I thought I'd change things up this week and post 2 photos.
One in each category.

My adult submission:
Jessica & Jeff see-sawing at our "friends" Thanksgiving Celebration 2008.

My kids submission:

If you would like to participate in the I ♥ Faces challenge head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com.

I &hearts Faces - Week 17

It's week 17 of the I ♥ Faces photo challenge.

This weeks theme is "Hats".

Here is my submission...


This picture is of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of the country duo Sugarland.
The picture was taken from the 8th row of their concert at the Erwin Center, in Austin, TX, on April 30, 2009.

If you would like to participate in the I ♥ Faces challenge head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com.

Have a great week.

I &hearts Faces - Week 13

It's week 13 of the I ♥ Faces photo challenge.

This weeks theme is "My Friend & I".
Here is my submission...

This picture was taken back in February at a friends wedding.
Reagan and Anthonee (both age 6 at the time) were so cute dancing together. Everyone, except for Reagan's dad, thought it was the CUTEST thing ever.

If you would like to participate in the I ♥ Faces challenge head on over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com.

Have a great week.

The day has FINALLY arrived...

It's Opening Day!!!

Baseball season is my FAVORITE season of the year.
It's 6 months of pure joy.
Watching the games, seeing old friends, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks and root, root, rooting for the home team, my team, the Houston Astros.

Yes, I'll be around for the next 6 months, but if you can't find me you may want to check Minute Maid Park first. There's a very good chance that I will be there, A LOT!!!

Happy Baseball Season!

Go Astros!!!

Happy 100th Post - 100 things about me...

The "100 Things" post is a tradition in the blogosphere.

You're supposed to write 100 things about you as your 100th post.
This is my 100th post and the following is my 100 things...
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

1. My name is Greis
2. It's pronounced Grace, just in case you're wondering.
3. My dad spelled it phonetically the way it sounds when he says Grace with his Spanish accent.
   
4. I was born in Germany.
5. My dad was stationed there while he was in the U.S. Army.
6. I was born 6 weeks early.
7. My mom's original due date was Dec. 26.
8. I weighed a little over 5 pounds.
   
9. I'm a CubaRican.
10. My dad is from Cuba.
11. My mom is from Puerto Rico.
12. I look absolutely 100% white.
13. I've lived in Houston since I was 2.
14. I turned 30 in November.
15. I was NOT looking forward to it.
16. It took me a few months, but I'm completely over the anxiety of it now.
17. I'm a Scorpio.
18. If you read the traits of a Scorpio, it's me to a T.
19. I'm single.
20. And at this rate will be for the rest of my life.
21. I have a younger brother.
22. He'll be 24 in August.
23. My parents were married when they were 20.
24. They'll be celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary in June.
25. I hope to share the kind of love they share with someone some day.
26. I have no kids.
27. I have 2 awesome God kids.
28. My Goddaughter is 7.
29. My Godson is 6.
30. They live in Arkansas.
31. I don't get to see them as often as I would like.
    
32. I hope to become a mom someday.
33. Everyone tells me I'd be a GREAT mom.
34. I totally agree.
35. I'm a BIG Astros fan.
36. I go to about 50 - 60 games a year.
37. My all-time favorite Astro is #7, Craig Biggio.
38. I Love Lance-A-Lot as well.
39. That's Lance Berkman, just in case you were wondering.
40. My dog's name is Astro.
41. I have an Astros star tattoo on my left ankle.
42. I'm loyal and LOVE my team.
43. I work full time.
44. I'm an Administrative Asst.
45. I work over 40 hours a week.
46. I love my job.
47. I'm on a mission to lose over 100 pounds.
48. I've been told that I carry my weight well.
49. I'm not too sure what that means.
50. Just cause I carry it well doesn't mean I have to lose less.
    
51. In my 30 years I've tried many a diet.
52. They usually work in the short term.
53. And then I go back to my old habits.
54. And gain the weight + some back.
55. This time is different.
56. I'm more focused.
57. The weight's coming off.
58. I'm doing it slow this time.
59. The healthy way.
60. I joined Weight Watchers.
61. I really like the program.
62. Especially since I can eat what I want as long as I'm within my POINTS.
63. Some days it's hard to reach my total points.
64. Others it's hard not to go over my total points.
65. Weight loss is NOT easy.
66. I started working out again in January.
67. My goal is to make it to the gym at least 3 days a week.
68. Lately, I'm lucky to get there once a week.
69. Things have been crazy busy.
70. I watch too much television.
71. It's a horrible habit.
72. But, I love my shows.
73. I absolutely L.O.V.E. reality shows.
74. The Biggest Loser is my fave.
75. I would love to be on the show.
76. Especially if Jillian could be my trainer.
77. I would do it just to do it.
78. No need to add the monetary prize.
79. I just want to get healthy and lose the weight.
80. I've seen EVERY episode of Survivor.
81. I hate cleaning house.
82. Vacuuming is the worst.
83. I would love a housekeeper.
84. But, why pay for something I am capable of doing for FREE?
85. I don't cook often.
86. It's pretty good when I do.
87. I love baking.
88. And chocolate.
89. Neither of which are good for my diet.
90. I have the most awesome friends in the world.
91. They keep me focused.
92. I'm going on a cruise with 2 of my besties in September.
93. It'll be my FIRST cruise.
94. We are so EXCITED!!!
95. I love travelling.
96. I wish I could travel more often.
97. I dream of travelling to Australia someday.
98. I started blogging just because.
99. I love reading blogs as much as I enjoy writing.
    
100. If you got this far, thanks for reading!!!

I &hearts Faces - Week 12

It's week 12 of the I ♥ Faces photo challenge.

There's a PETS category this week.
The theme: anything goes.
Here is my submission...

This is my dog Astro on his bed. He loves this bed a LOT, but he loves his stuffed cheetah toy even more!

If you want to see other great pet pictures or submit your own photo for the week head on over to www.iheartfaces.com.

Rodeo Season in Houston; ruining 1 diet at a time for over 75 years...

It's no secret that I.LOVE.RODEO.SEASON!!!!
Houston is home to The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the LARGEST (if not the largest) Rodeo's in the country.
Every year, in March, the city is taken over by cows and bulls and horses, OH MY! Oh, yeah, and really HOT cowboys.
With all the rodeo madness comes a dieting girls nemesis, really good FOOD.
I'm talking about the really good, but really BAD for you kind of food. Bad because it's all FRIED and greasy and OH.SO.YUMMY!!!!
What? You still don't understand what I'm talking about? Here's a short list:

Food at the Houston Rodeo:
fried oreos, fried snickers, funnel cake, fried coca-cola, turkey legs, sausage on a stick, burritos, roasted corn, pizza on a stick, caramel apples, ice cream, fried fish, fried shrimp, fried crawfish, Mexican food, chocolate covered cheese cake on a stick, anything you can think of on a stick, anything you can think of fried, loaded baked potatoes, brisket, bar-b-q sandwiches, anything you can bar-b-q, etc., etc., etc...

OK, so do you see what I mean?
Anyways, my diet should NEVER consist of any of the aforementioned foods, but when the Rodeo's in town it's hard to resist, so I ate.
Luckily the Rodeo is only in town for 3 weeks and I only attended 5 of those days, so it was only 5 days of BAD eating and EVERY.OTHER.DAY trying to make up for it.
So for the past 2 weeks I have weighed myself and by some miracle I've had no gain/loss and my weight has stayed the same.

Rodeo Houston - the sights:

The Sights - Photos from the Houston Chronicle
Clockwise: Turkey Leg, Steer Wrangling, Sausage on a Stick, Mutton Bustin',
Funnel Cake, Bull Riding, Chicken Fried Bacon, Barrel Racing, Fried
Oreos, Bareback Riding, Fried Twinkie, Bareback Riding. The
Carnival is in the center.

Rodeo Houston - The Music

The Music - Photos from the Houston Chronicle
These are the 5 shows that I attended.
Clockwise: Gary Allan, Keith Urban, Josh Turner, Taylor Swift
and Brad Paisley

Weekly Weigh-In Hiatus...

So, some of you might have noticed that I haven't weighed in the past 2 weeks. It's not because I've fallen off the wagon or because I've gained all 15 pounds that I've lost this year back, NO that is definitely not it.
I've weighed in, but for 2 weeks straight I've had no loss/gain.
It has something to do with this...


Photo: Houston Chronicle

and this...

Photo: Houston Chronicle

and a little to do with being swamped at the J-O-B!

I promise a "real" blog post will follow, with all the juicy details, tomorrow.

Happy FRIDAY!