Baller/Giveaway info

   As I’m sitting here watching the Heat beat up on the Pacers, I decided to write about something I miss…basketball. I miss playing, I miss coaching, I miss watching my brother play, I miss playing in the old Otway gym, just miss being in the gym period. Basketball took up so much of my time over the years, it has been hard not having it be part of my life.

    I started playing biddy basketball when I was in the third grade, along with cheerleading. That’s the age you hit when you start trying out a little bit of everything to find what you’re interested in. I was definitely not much of an athlete at that time. I was clumsy and uncoordinated and hated going to practice with all of the “5th and 6th graders” because they threw the ball too hard. Every practice we would “warm-up” by doing some laps around Otway gym. I remember they had a table set up beside the stage in that gym, right on the sidelines, and I ran right into it. Yep, that’s right. I ran right into a big table sitting out on the gym floor. I had multiple balls bounce off of my head when we would shoot around. I tried to set picks like I was trying to run someone over. I was pretty much the worst player ever. Then, it happened. Dad sat me down one evening after practice and gave me this speech…”So, I think after this year you should think about just sticking with cheering. You’re cute, but I just don’t think you’re going to be much of a ball player. Cheerleading is more your speed.” And that was it. My feelings were hurt and I was determined to prove him wrong.

    I was a decent player throughout school from then on. Started Varsity ball as a freshman on my high school team, and lived for basketball. There was never a break for me. I played basketball year round. I also loved the summer camps that we would hold for the younger groups of girls, so my dad and I decided to get into coaching a biddyball team while I was in high school. That was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. We stuck with it for 6 years, and was able to see the girls we coached go on and play varsity ball. (And I have watched them graduate, and some already getting married and starting families of their own which makes me feel super old.) After coaching biddyball, I coached 1 year of junior high ball and afterward was accepted into a nursing program and had to give up coaching and focus all of my energy on school.

    Now that I’m finished with classes that I have to attend, (finishing my BSN can be done online) I’ve started thinking about trying to get back into it. It is very time consuming to coach, but being able to teach kids all about teamwork and seeing them continually improve and know that part of it is because of all of the hard work you are putting into it—it’s worth every minute of your time that you are sacrificing. I try to not have many regrets in life, but giving up coaching is definitely one of them. So, as you read this, are there things in your life right now that you regret? Something that you have been thinking about doing, but haven't? You know what…you should just go do it. Life is too short to wish it away and have regrets. Make time for it and make it happen if it is something that you love and that will make you happy. :)

***On a side note, I said that I would update you all on doing a giveaway after my blog hit over 500 views, which happened today!! :))) I came home from work and was floored that it happened so fast! Again, completely amazeballs. Thank you to every single person who is taking time out of your day to read these posts. It is an amazing feeling to see so many people interested :) Sooo here’s the update:
If you want to participate in the giveaway, the only thing you will need to do is comment below ANY of my blog posts so far with your e-mail address. That’s it. Winner will be chosen at random, and posting your e-mail address 100 times will not get you 100 entries. Nice try. haha
After the winner is selected, I will e-mail you with how to claim your prize with directions regarding the giveaway. Again, this is going to be interactive, and I can’t wait to see how creative we can get with the participation :)

Thanks for reading, hope you all have an amazing weekend, and I’ll have some new stuff for ya Monday! TGIF!

 

Family Vay-cay

     Summer weather has crept up on us and I’m loving every minute of it! For most of the local schools, classes are wrapping up and all of the kids will be on summer break. Which for most of you, also means that you will be planning family vacations or weekend getaways. This can always be exciting and stressful-with trying to reserve condos/hotel rooms, deciding where to go, and for some deciding who (and who not) to vacation with. Vacationing has been the topic of conversation lately, so I figured it would be a good topic to discuss and get some recommendations on where you all love to go :)

(And share some “beachy” pictures)

     Personally, I love to travel and vacation. Last spring/summer I was able to see Mexico, Los Angeles, and participate in the family vacation to Myrtle Beach (for the first time in 3 years) all in a few short months. Traveling to Mexico, getting to experience my first time out of the country, and the first time on a plane was unforgettable!!

Riviera Maya, Mexico 

   The trip to Los Angeles was more of a short “getaway” and we didn’t get to do much sight seeing because that is when and where we filmed our episode of “Relative Insanity”. Now that was an experience and a half in itself! (But that is definitely deserving of it’s own blog post) If you didn’t catch it on Lifetime, you can watch the clips on the web version of this blog. I’ve posted links to the YouTube videos :) 

   Myrtle Beach however, has been a family vacation every year for the past few years. I missed out on a few trips because I was in nursing school, but I look forward to that vacation every year. Somehow, the trip always starts and ends the same way…everyone stressed and tired and Dad acting a fool and telling everyone to “shut the hell up”. Haha This year our family vacation is going to be slightly different …Since they couldn’t stand the thought of me doing something without them, we have decided to throw the whole group of us Crabtrees on a plane and take our redneck selves to Mexico in July. The part that I am looking forward to the most is Dad trying to understand true-blue Spanish speaking Mexicans, and Korina starving because there will be no Wendy’s just down the street. This experience might take up an entire week’s worth of blogging! 

Kreig, Korina and I-last year at Myrtle Beach

   We have a weekend planned to go to Orlando for the weekend (to visit the wizarding world of Harry Potter-because it’s my dream), and I’m looking to book a weekend trip to Vegas in June so we will have a summer full of FUN! :)

   I am curious to know where do you vacation? Is there a place you go every year like Myrtle Beach, or Virginia Beach? Or do you take a cruise every year at Christmas? 

Are there any places that you would recommend as short, weekend getaways? Locally or otherwise? Are there certain places that you would recommend for families that have younger kids? Any and all suggestions are welcome! Or do you have a good family-vacation disaster story that you would like to share? I would LOVE to hear about it! You can comment below, contact me on Facebook or Twitter, or e-mail me krista_lynn_05@msn.com 

Also, I will be posting more details about the 1,000 view giveaway after my blog page reaches 500. This is going to be a very “interactive” giveaway, so full participation is encouraged!

Weird Wednesday

I know what you are all thinking..."Now all of her blog posts are going to have the day of the week in them. Boring!" Wrong. In my book, weird and wednesday rhyme and I'm in a rhyme-y mood. So I want to do weird wednesday because weird sums up my entire personality, and I'm gonna throw at you 15 weird facts. That's right, FIFTEEN! Let's get weird...

1. What's a weird nickname only your family calls you? Hmmm...truthfully, I don't really have a nickname. My dad calls me KAY-RISTA, but that's pretty much my real live name. I did have a cousin that called me "Krista-Kroodle" and someone called me "pooda" at some point in time. Worst stupid name ever. Glad that didn't stick. 
2. What's a weird habit of yours? I have a million different habits, and my habits are probably all weird but normal to me? I guess a “habit” because I do it pretty much daily is, I shave my arms. Yep, you read that right. If not, I would look like Chewbacca, Sooo…you’re welcome. 
3. Do you have any weird phobias? Lordy yes! I'm terrified of birds. I am weirded out by people's voices that don't match how they look. Freaks me out. And even though I have this obsession with scarves, I always have this feeling that I could be strangled at any second. I can't be the only one. 
4. What's a weird song you secretly love to blast and belt out when you're alone? Hands down, "I Want You" by Savage Garden. Never heard it, no excuses Here's a link-  http://youtu.be/HQt6jIKNwgU
5. What's one of your biggest weird pet peeves? Where to start...I don't really care for feet touching me, or the look of them in general. I don't like when the napkin sticks to the cup at the restaurant, and my BIGGEST pet peeve is when people drive UNDER the speed limit or switch to the left lane and slowww down. Makes my blood pressure go through the roof. I don't even know if all of those are even considered "pet peeves" anyway, but they are in my book of Kristaology. 
6. What is one of your weird nervous habits? Nervous habit numero uno--picking my nails. Not to be confused with biting my nails. I don't do that because I'm a germ-a-phobe. Oh, and I crack my knuckles and hold my breath. 
7. What side of the bed do you sleep on? If you were standing at the foot of my bed, like a stalker, I would be snoozing on the right side. Why? Because I'm left handed. Only makes sense. 
8. What was your first stuffed animal and what was it’s weird name? The first stuffed animal that I can even remember having, is a "glo-worm". Did it even have a name? I don't know. He was green and a wormy..."wormy"? Creative genius. 
9. What's the drink you always order at Starbucks? Double chocolate chip frappe. Thanks to my sister for introducing me to this delicious treat. If you have never tried one, next time you’re at Starbucks, go for it. You won’t be disappointed. Promise. Unless you're a chocolate-hater. 
10. Which way do you face in the shower? Ummm…away from the water if I’m rinsing my hair, and toward the water if I’m not? What kind of crazy question is this? Next thing I know I’ll be describing how I get undressed…
11. Do you have any weird body skills? The answer to that is a big fat NO. 
12. What is your favorite or weird food that you know is bad for you but you eat it anyways? Oreos. Those little, heavenly, sandwich cookies and all of their chocolatey, creamy greatness. I have been known to eat an entire pack of double-stuff, in one sitting, all alone. No shame. 
13. What is a weird phrase of exclamation that you always say? “Jesus-Tits” “Balls” “Bastards”. After reading those last three words, I think I need to work on my “lady-like” skills. Eh.
14. What do you wear when you go to sleep? T-shirt…and shorts. Usually. I feel like whoever created these questions was a borderline perv. 
15. What did you used to wear that you thought was cool, but now realize that it isn't..it was weird? Jean bibs. with only one strap hooked. while the other one just dangled there with it’s metal end as a potential weapon. Not cool or stylish. haha 

Now I can’t be the only one throwing myself under the bus here, or the only one who does these weird things. Everyone is weird. True fact. The issue is, most people want to pretend like they’re “normal”. 

So I would LOVE to see some of you chime in and pick out a couple of these weird questions and let me know that I’m not the only weirdo out there! :) 

Also, I would like to point out that this blog has reached over 300 views in TWO DAYS!! that is friggin’ amazeballs! Thanks to everyone who is taking their time to read this non-sense and to those that will continue to read. When that counter hits 1,000 views I am going to do a giveaway! Details soon! 

Stay weird and Happy Hump Day! 

Mood-Swing Tuesday

   Ever have one of those days that you wake up knowing no matter what you do, you are going to deal with pure hell for the next 10 hours? Just the thought of your feet hitting the floor makes you want to grab a magical remote and fast-foward to 6 o'clock-ish? Yeah, me too. Which is why I have decided to talk about something up-beat to get me out of this crabby mood. Because I looooovvveeee HAPPY :) So, while I am on the topic of things that I LOVE...

   I love, LOVE. 110% love everything about it. Love the feeling of falling in love, being in love, feeling loved, and on and on...Even though (don't really wanna go here, but I will) I am recently single, it doesn't make me LOVE love any less. Not all relationships are meant to last forever, but you take what you have gained from that person and move on...Move on with more experience and different views of life and yourself that you were able to see along the way, that maybe you didn't recognize before. Every relationship comes with a lesson to learn, and I've learned quite a bit in my 27 years. But in life, it's all about timing and there's always a reason that people stick around for a certain amount of time (by choice or otherwise) and also a reason that they come back into your life possibly on a different path themselves. "Everything happens for a reason". This may be cliche, but has always been a true fact. I am so over the moon thankful for the people who are in my life and have stuck by me and never left. Never bailed on me regardless of the situation--big or small. So no matter what happens (for future reference) I refuse to be cynical about love ever again. Life's too short to be bitter and pessimistic.

   I LOVE country music. Some have even called me obsessed! haha But it all started with Garth Brooks and Billy Ray Cyrus when I was a little girl, and I've been hooked ever since. I'll never forget my first Garth concert-dressing up in my american flag button up and cowboy boots. I have been to TONS of concerts since, (most "close enough to touch them") and have had some pretty amazing experiences by just being at the right place at the right time. I have made friends with some pretty unbelievable and talented musicians, and have contemplated (numerous times) moving to Nashville. I'm a true country girl at heart.

    I love social media. Love it. And at this point, it has truly become habit to me to scroll through Instagram and Facebook aimlessly. Am I looking for or at anything in particular, no. Same deal when I browse Pinterest for hours at a time--crafts, recipes, puppies, wedding ideas, quotes, unattainable wardrobes...HELLO! How can one person waste so much time literally looking at a mash-up of complete and utter randomness? Ask 86.7% of the female population that same question. There is no "real" answer. Some people waste time watching television or playing Xbox...I waste hours upon hours on social media. And to add another one to the list, this blog :) Playing around with some ideas and directions to go with this, so I will keep you updated and may even add a poll to this page.

    Anddd I love to read. Not as much as my sister, (who is a hermit-reader) but I have always loved to completely get lost in a good book. I would much rather read a book than watch the movie any day, because you can use your imagination and create the characters how you perceive them. The best books are the ones that you just can't get over for days afterward. They affect you so much, that your mind is completely blown OR you are so devastated that it is all you can think and talk about. It completely consumes you. That is when you know you have read an amazingly written book. I read "The Fault In Our Stars" around a year ago, and it was one of the most amazing books I have ever EVER read. Seeing the previews of the movie coming to theaters soon, makes me want to pick it up and read it again. If you get the chance to watch the movie, and its ANYTHING like the book, it'll be amazeballs. Promise.

   So now that I've covered some things that I love, my mood has drastically improved. (Insert Pharrell's song "Happy" here) Because who can sit and talk about things that they genuinely LOVE and not be happy?! Ummm...no one. And if you can, you have a black heart and we can't be friends we need to fix that...
I urge anyone and everyone to do what they LOVE, because..."life's too short to be anything but happy" :)

What’s the point of this, again?

So, I decided to start a blog. One of the biggest questions you might have is, why? My life can't be THAT interesting and to the point where people actually want to read what I have to say, right?! Yeah, you're probably right. But I'm not doing it so much for the followers, but for myself. Sooo selfish of me, I know. There are just so many things in my life that are happening (or happened) that I don't have time to write them all down,  so I thought it would be a great idea to blog about them instead. SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD!! Or my 2 friends that might read this post haha

I had actually started a blog on another site about a year ago, but it wasn't super user friendly and I wasn't capable of posting using my phone (which we all know I'm addicted to) so after two measly posts, I gave up. "Life got in the way."--Or one of those other, overused clichès. So I'm back to square one, and starting fresh just like my life recently. 

I figured I could use this blog as an outlet, if you will...For my thoughts, randomness, and to fulfill my nerd status. I want to be able to share my hilarious stories, life lessons, and adventures in a somewhat "judgement-free" zone. Maybe someone can relate to my issues, or maybe they will think that I've completely lost it. Either way, allow me to provide you with some entertainment.

Many bloggers that I have encountered have new blog posts daily. I however, (being the commitment-phobe that I am) am going to "shoot" for daily blog posts, but if it doesn't happen sorry ahead of time...Actually, #sorrynotsorry. Full-time job plus lack of interesting things to write about, may get in the way of my daily non-sense. I do better with dares or bets...maybe I should have some sort of stake in this...any takers?

Any-who...welcome to my blog, get ready for some shenanigans, and happy Memorial Day!