A Very YOLO Trip: Detroit

I know, I'm horrible. Yes, I'm STILL recapping my 2018 trips. **insert face palm emoji**. Yes, I've already taken a trip in 2019. I've had A LOT of people giving me guilt trips lately about letting my blog updating slide, so here I sit trying to at least wrap up my 2018 road trips. Here's hoping I'll get my 2019 trip recapped by 2020. Lol.

Okay, so the last time I updated we were in Toronto. I know it's been a little while (five months), so here is the last post I wrote if you want a recap. 

We left Toronto on a Monday morning to make the four hour drive to Detroit for the Tigers game that night. I'll spare the details of how we made a quick stop in a small Canadian town and the gas station restroom looked like something straight out of a horror film. I honestly don't think customers were supposed to be back there but the guy at the register took pity on us and let us use it. I swear I'm a 48 Hours episode waiting to happen. "After posting that she was leaving Toronto to head towards Detroit, she was never heard from again. Her cell phone last pinged in the small town of **insert the name of the town that I have now forgotten because this was 14 months ago**. 

I may have been humming America the Beautiful as we crossed back over into the United States (I don't really remember). We had to explain at the border why we were from Texas but were driving a car with a Pennsylvania licence plate (because the rental car we got in Baltimore had PA plates). The border patrol agent was pretty excited when she found out we had been traveling to see baseball games (she was also a fan- female sports fans unite!)  

I'm not going to lie, Detroit isn't the prettiest city, BUT I loved Comerica Park. So many people put it down, but I really enjoyed the ballpark experience there. I loved the design of the outside of the park.

Random side note (that has nothing to do with Comerica Park, but it does have something to do with the Tigers so I'm going to mention it): When I was a kid, there was a Disney Channel movie called Tiger Town that I absolutely LOVED (because it was about baseball and my baseball obsession started early in my life). I remember watching this movie when I was like 5. It starred Roy Scheider (from Jaws) and Justin Henry (the little brother in 16 Candles). The movie was filmed in Detroit and a lot of scenes were filmed at Tiger Stadium (which sadly was demolished after the Tigers moved to Comerica Park). Scheider plays an aging Tigers player named Billy Young who is on the verge of retirement. His dream of playing in the World Series is fading (because the Tigers aren't doing well and he has lost his ability to hit the ball). Billy is the favorite player of Alex (played by Henry). I could type out the rest of the plot but I'm lazy, so you can just read the Wikipedia recap here. It's not available for purchase, but I just checked YouTube and a copy is available here. I will be watching it after I finish this post. Aw, memories. Lol.

Okay, so sorry for getting sidetracked. For those who know me, it's not unusual for that to happen. :) ANYWAY- back to 2018 and Comerica Park. I loved it. Don't @ me. The concourse area was great- they have a carousel AND Ferris Wheel. We found Mickey, a baseball fountain, a giant bobblehead, and I got to sit on the Triple Crown throne. :)

Before the game, we walked around the whole ballpark (because we were not able to get there in time for a tour). They had a lot of statues just beyond the outfield (if you know me, I'm a big fan of statues). I liked the open concourse (which allowed you to see the field as you walked around).

They had a lot of food choices but if you know me, you know I'm NOT a huge foodie- I stick to "normal" foods when I go to baseball games. So, I'm sorry to disappoint if you were wanting some great food recommendation at Comerica Park. Oh, and yes, the Tigers give you a lid AND a straw with your souvenir drink. I don't know what the Rangers deal is by not giving us lids and straws with our drinks. The majority of the ballparks I've visited give you at least a straw. Sigh. Maybe in the new ballpark.

I don't know why the cup looks so tiny in this photo- it's a normal size souvenir cup

We had great seats for the game. We once again got to see the Rays play on the road. If you remember WAY BACK to last July when I first started this trip update (this is so embarrassing that it's taking me a year to recap this trip), we saw the Ray play the Orioles in Baltimore. If you would like a refresher, here is that post.

Obligatory selfie from our seats

We actually saw a pretty good game (if you like a pitching duel). The game was scoreless going into the 9th. The Rays scored three in the top of the inning and despite a good attempt by the Tigers in the bottom of the 9th, they came up short and lost the game 3-2. The Rays also won the game against the Orioles so evidently we are good luck for them.

This game was in April, and the temperatures got a little too cool for this Texas girl (okay, it was like 70 BUT BREEZY), so I had to put on my Rangers light jacket during the game. Fun tidbit- we ran into other Rangers fans as we were leaving. They had noticed my jacket during the game and they happened to bump into us outside afterward. They were excited to find fellow fans.

Like I said, I really enjoyed my time there. I would definitely go back. BUT next time I'll be sure not to get lost. We possibly made a wrong tour leaving the ballpark (there was construction and the detour signs were not well marked and our GPS freaked out and we ended up going the wrong way). We also ended up in a part of Detroit no one really needed to be in at night. We possibly made some illegal turns, but you know what, we didn't care. Lol. We finally got back to our hotel safe and sound (obviously, since I'm here a year later talking about it).

Okay, I have ONE MORE POST for this trip, and then my recap of A Very YOLO Trip 2018 will be DONE. It's late so I will post that tomorrow. At least I hope I will post tomorrow. Or maybe in five months, who knows? Lol. And I have two more trips from 2018 to recap after that. Sigh. I guess traveling has gotten in my way of blog updating. As always if you made it this far, thank you for reading. Much love!!

What I've Been Up To...Part 2

Yeah, so I'm late in posting this, sorry about that. Anyways, to continue my part 1 post, here are some more of my adventures that I've been up to that have kept me from blogging (besides my pure laziness).

A few weeks ago my bestie Zach came up from Austin and we went to the Cowboys game at Cowboys Stadium AT&T Stadium, the DeathStar, Jonestown, as I call it. Thankfully it was one of the few games this season they have actually WON (do I sound bitter?) Anyways, I do love watching football live and enjoyed going! It was a very late birthday present from Zach. :)

I was able to go to some Rangers games the last few weeks of the season. I'm now in my baseball off season funk. March 31 is Opening Day. I already have a countdown on my phone (for those of you who think I'm kidding, I'm not). :)

The last win of the season. Glad I was there for it. Love those guys.

I went to see Steven Curtis Chapman with some friends a few weeks ago. I somehow deleted all the pictures of the actual concert but here are some of me and my friends waiting for the concert to start. We had good seats, I do love SCC, although his song Cinderella makes me cry...every...dang...time.

Because Chance is awesome, he gets two pictures posted. ;)

Last week was a rough week for me for a lot of reasons. Friday night I needed some down time, so my friend Khrystal came over and we had dinner by my pool, and then watched Haven. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with that show? I probably haven't since I haven't been blogging regularly. I watched the first three seasons in about a month and season four just started a few weeks ago. I love it! If you watch it, I'm totally Team Nathan, although Duke is growing on me. Here is a trailer for season one. It's based on a Stephen King novel, so it can get kinda weird. I like weird though. :)

Dinner by the pool in October- because it's Texas and we can do that.

I went to the Dallas Museum of Art with some friends this past weekend. They have a new modern art exhibit on display right now. I've mentioned before I'm not a huge fan of modern art. Seriously, this was a "piece". But hey- if the artist wants to call this art, by all means. I call it a mess...

Yes, that is a pile of dirty clothes on the ground.

My inner child was excited to get this in the mail last week, I ordered it months ago on Amazon before it was even released. Now, if they can just release Aladdin on Blu-ray, my Disney collection will be complete.

I'm gonna try and be better about updating this week! Hope all of you are doing well!

XOXO!

Tuesday Tunes

I found out today that Robert Sherman, songwriter for a lot of classic Disney movies, passed away yesterday. I felt it was appropriate to dedicate my Tuesday Tunes post to him. Here are some of my favorite songs that he wrote (or co-wrote).

Of COURSE this would be listed first! :) Mary Poppins in my favorite movie!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang title song.

 

Let's Get Together from The Parent Trap

Ugly Bug Ball from Summer Magic (another Hayley Mills' movie). For the record, this is NOT Jerry Mathers, it's his brother Jimmy.

I'm Just A Little Black Rain Cloud from Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree

I know, I know. I know way to much about classic Disney movies (don't judge). :) 

XOXO!

Stormy Weather...

Anyone else remember this video that would air on the Disney Channel back in the 80s? Am I the only one who remembers stuff like this? Anyways, I like Lena Horne, I think her version of this song is very good. And since it's been raining all day, I felt it was appropriate to post! :) Happy Monday!!

XOXO!

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

All my bags are packed (well, my bag- I'm only taking a carry on suitcase) and yes, I'm ready to go. :) It's hard to believe it's finally the day I'm going to Atlanta!! I'm looking forward to my "mini-vacation". I promise to bore you all with pictures and stories of my adventure next week! If I know you personally, please accept any collect calls from an Atlanta jail. ;) hehehe...

Last night I prepared for my trip by getting a MUCH NEEDED mani/pedi (yesterday was brutal). I went to a new place close to where I work. I don't know about you, but I also get a little nervous going to a new place for a manicure/pedicure (you never know what it will be like), but this place was great. Everyone was very friendly, and it was actually reasonably priced. I definitely will be going back!

I have some of the whitest legs I've ever seen!

Kim, the girl who painted my nails, convinced me to get green polish on my toes. It's something different, so I went for it! I did NOT put the green polish on my fingernails though. :)

Five Question Friday time!!

1. Have you ever visited another country?

I went to Mexico when I was a baby, but I don't remember it. So, I'm not going to count it! So, no, not yet. Hopefully one day! I just need to get a passport.

2. Where is the strangest place you have ever been?

When we were in college, my friend Mark was in a fraternity at the University of Texas in Austin (he lived in the frat house). I must say that a frat house is DEFINITELY a very strange place. I went to a Baptist college. Guys weren't even allowed in our dorms. It was weird going into the community bathroom at the frat house and having some random guy just step out of a shower in front of me as I walked by. Oh, the innocent little bubble world that I lived in. I think Mark still laughs about that story even to this day.

3. What is your favorite season?

I live in Texas. We don't have "normal seasons". ;) I know it's not one of the four typical ones, but I really like the Christmas season. I love everything about it. I'm one of those people that start decorating right after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving night (or some point that weekend-depends on when the Texas/Texas A&M football game is) my sister Martha and I will watch It's A Wonderful Life. It's a tradition!

4. What song will always cheer you up?

Okay don't laugh. I know you will though. Since I was just speaking of Christmas, I guess I will have to say the song I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas always makes me smile. I don't know why. Even if it's in the middle of summer and I hear it (because it may, or may not, be on my iPod), I just start smiling. If you don't know the song, click here to hear it.

5. What Disney character do you resemble most?

Oh wow. I have no clue. Can I be a mixture of them? My mom always calls me Sleepy Beauty when she's trying to wake me up (yes, even now at age 32 my mother does that- I love it though). But she's my mother, she's biased. Of course she would say that. I have a big purse that I call my Mary Poppins bag. I also am very pale, so I could go by Snow White. And I can be forgetful at times, so I could be like Dory the fish in Finding Nemo. Wow, hard question!

Anyways, getting ready to head to the airport in a little bit. Again, if you wouldn't mind saying a prayer for me (I don't like flying), I would appreciate it. Hope everyone has a great weekend! If you hear of a 32 year old female arrested for trying to hug Chipper Jones, that might be me!! ;) Poor guy. He got hurt last week and is out the rest of the season. :( I think he needs a hug!!

To any new followers, I promise to check out your blogs when I get back next week. I do follow back!! :)

Blog Award

My sweet blogging friend Laurie gave me the following blog award. Thanks girl!! I enjoy reading about Laurie's adventures and I love her comments on my posts! If you would like to check her page out, go here.

As part of the "award ceremony", it looks like I have to list 7 things about myself you may not know. I know I've done this before in a previous post, I'll try and think of new ones. 

1. I am on a "mission" to visit all the baseball ballparks/stadiums in the U.S. (and the one in Canada). I guess this probably isn't a surprise to any of my regular readers. I have a long ways to go. I've obviously visited the baseball ballparks in Texas (The Ballpark in Arlington and Minute Maid Park in Houston. I also got to see a few games in the Astrodome, the former home of the Houston Astros, before they moved next door to Minute Maid Park). When I went to New York three years ago I was able to catch a Yankees game in the old Yankee Stadium. Some friends and I are in the process of planning a trip to Atlanta this August, so I can cross Turner Field, home of the Braves, off the list.

2. I have a bad case of stage fright (this surprises a lot of people since I'm so outgoing and talkative). But if you get me in front of crowd, my knees start shaking and my voice squeaks. And I usually feel like I'm going to throw up.

3. If I can't fall asleep at night, I watch kid shows on The Disney Channel. It's gotten so bad that I know some of the theme songs now. **hangs head in shame**

4. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 11 years old.

5. A friend and I are in the process of trying to write a novel (we have a ways to go!)

 
6. When I was 12 my friend Tanya and I were riding a roller coaster and the bar flew up during the ride (there was some malfunction with it, obviously). There were no seat belts, so we were holding on for dear life until it came to a stop. It took me nearly 10 years to get on another roller coaster. And even to this day, I've very picky about which ones I'll ride. And when I do get on one, I'm usually halfway up the hill before I start thinking, "why am I doing this again?"

7. I never learned to parallel park in Driver's Ed (okay, if you have driven with me, this is not a surprise). In the Driver's Ed course that I took, we had to have 8 hours of driving and 8 hours of observing before we could get our licenses (in addition to the 8 week classroom course). On my last "hour" of driving, the instructor was like, "okay, the last thing we have to complete is the parallel parking, are you ready?" and I said no. He was like, "well, that's okay, we'll just say you did it", and he marked it as completed. I hope that doesn't get my license taken away by saying that!! : )

With the honor of winning this award, I now have to pass the award on to five fellow bloggers. ONLY FIVE?? I enjoy all the blogs I read, so I hate to just list five. I would like to pass the award on to everyone (but alas, I cannot). So, here are five blogs that I love reading every chance I get!! Check them out!!

-Kristin at Adventures of a Betty Crocker Wanna-Be 

-Vic at From Here to There

-Sheriliee at Sweet Tea and Sunshine

-Frenchy at Le Chateau des fleurs 

-Lindsay at Little Thoughts by LT

 

Thursday Thirteen

I'm back in the land of the living after being sidelined yesterday with a sore throat. Feeling MUCH better today! Thank you for everyone who sent me well wishes! : )

For my Thursday Thirteen post, I thought I would list 13 of my favorite sports movies (now, I have way more than 13, so it was hard choosing which ones to list). So, in no particular order, I give you my Thursday Thirteen...

1. The Rookie: Of course a baseball movie would be the first one I list. This is one of those "feel-good-based-on-a-true-life-story" Disney movie. The only thing keeping it from being cheesy is that it really happened. I do just have one minor complaint (okay, two). During the scene filmed at The Ballpark in Arlington, they have the visiting team in the Rangers bullpen. Also, the scene was taking place in the 90s (when the Rangers were wearing their red uniforms). And in the movie, they were wearing blue. VERY minor, only a sports freak nut enthusiast such as myself would notice.

My favorite quote: "I'm a Texas woman, which means I don't need the help of a man to keep things running."

2. Remember the Titans: Even if you don't like football, how can you NOT like a movie with Denzel Washington in it? This is another movie based on a true story (yes, it was done by Disney).

My favorite quote: "A water break? Water is for cowards. Water makes you weak. Water is for washing blood off that uniform and you don't get no blood on my uniform, boy you must be outside your mind! We are going to do up-downs, until Blue is no longer tired, and thirsty."

3. Miracle: I swear, I'm not obsessed with Disney, they just seem to make a lot of sports movies! This movie tells the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. I'm sure everyone knows that story and the outcome. But if not, I won't ruin it for you (in case you want to watch it). But, I will share a clip of the real hockey game (the "do you believe in miracles" moment).

My favorite quote: "Great moments... are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it."

4. The Blind Side: I love, love, love Sandra Bullock in this movie. She so deserved the Oscar for her performance. This movie is based on the true life story of NFL player Michael Oher.

My favorite quote: "If you so much as set foot downtown, you will be sorry. I'm in a prayer group with the D.A., I'm a member of the NRA and I'm always packing."

5. Field of Dreams: This one never gets old. And I know more than one guy who admits getting a little teary eyed at the end of this one. How can you not?

My favorite quote: "At least he is not a book burner, you Nazi cow." I bet you thought I was going to put, "If you build it, he will come.", didn't you? ;)

6. Facing the Giants: I love this movie because of the determination of a man of God to get this story out there. No one in Hollywood would produce this movie, so a church group filmed/produced/acted in this movie. There are no "big names" or "professionals" found anywhere in it. Ticket sales and DVD sales exceeded everyone's expectations. The same group also produced the Kirk Cameron movie Fireproof.

My favorite quote: "Grant, we gotta do something about the car. The only thing it does faithfully for us is break down."

7. Rudy: A movie for someone who needs to believe that dreams come true. I also love Sean Astin in this movie! Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!

My favorite quote: "Son, in 35 years of religious study, I have only come up with two hard incontrovertible facts: there is a God, and I'm not Him."

8. Eight Men Out: This movie is based on the 1919 "Black Sox Scandal". And it stars three big names from the 80s: John Cusack, Charlie Sheen and Christopher Lloyd.

My favorite quote: 1st Cincinnati Reds Player: These guys don't look so tough.

2nd Cincinnati Reds Player: Yeah, that's what Custer said when the Indians took the field.

9. Hoosiers: I had to get a basketball movie in here somewhere! This movie stars two great actors, Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper. And I want to say it was inspired by a true life story.

My favorite quote: "I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. These six individuals have made a choice to work, a choice to sacrifice, to put themselves on the line 23 nights for the next 4 months, to represent you, this high school. That kind of commitment and effort deserves and demands your respect. This is your team."

 

10. Chariots of Fire: Even if you have never seen this movie, you probably have heard the theme from it. This movie is based on a true story of two British track athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics. (Quick side note to all my Lord of the Ring friends. A young Ian Holm, aka Bilbo Baggins, is in this movie!)

 

 

My favorite quote: "You can praise God by peeling a spud if you peel it to perfection. Don't compromise. Compromise is a language of the devil. Run in God's name and let the world stand back and in wonder."

 

11. We Are Marshall: I'll admit, this one made me cry (**tissue alert**). Based on the true story of the tragedy that hit Marshall University in November 1970 when a plane crash took the lives of virtually their entire football team and coaching staff. If you are a Matthew McConaughey or Matthew Fox fan, even if you don't like football, this is one you don't want to miss!

 

My favorite quote: "One day, not today, not tomorrow, not this season, probably not next season either but one day, you and I are gonna wake up and suddenly we're gonna be like every other team in every other sport where winning is everything and nothing else matters. And when that day comes, well thats, thats when we'll honor them."

 

12. Friday Night Lights: If you are not from Texas, or have never been in Texas during high school football season, you might not realize how true to life this movie is. This movie is based on a book with the same name. Of course, the first thing I noticed is how it reunited Billy Bob Thorton with his Slingblade co-star, Lucas Black (I know, I notice the weirdest things!)

 

My favorite quote: "Perfection is being able to look your friends in the eye and know you did everything you could not to let them down."

 

13. The Stratton Story: Of course I had to get a Jimmy Stewart movie in this list! This movie is based on the story of major league pitcher Monty Stratton. After a hunting accident, his career ended when he had to have his right leg amputated. I remember watching this movie with my mom when I was little. My mom actually had a baseball signed by Monty Stratton, but one day my brothers decided to play catch with it outside, and lost it. A few years ago a friend of mine was able to track down a Monty Stratton autograph, so I got it for my mom for Christmas. She won't let my brother's touch it! :)

 

My favorite quote:[after accidentally shooting himself in the leg] "I shot the wrong rabbit!"