Well another Camping Trip with my family has ended. Usually I always look forward to camping, this year I was a bit hesitant in going. My cousins are all at that stage in their lives where they rather go hang out with friends or go clubbing than go camping with their family. And addicted to their blackberry, or phones. So I wasn't sure who was going to be there, and how social they were going to be. Sure enough, I was wrong.
Getting up there after about 3 hours (listening to Backstreet Boys the whole way), we quickly set up our tent and was ready to relax. Just getting to catch up with everybody and see everybody is so nice. My grandma's sister and my grandpa's brother married eachother, and their family of 3 boys was like brothers to my mom and her 3 sisters. So for years now they have gone camping together with their families. It gives everyone a chance to see eachother, catch up, do something different, and get away from civilization so to speak. So baisically we just talked all day, and had a kick ass camp fire at night. It was also freezing that night!
Also, we brought the 2 dogs up! (For those who don't know, we just got a new 5 month old puppy named Tucker!) Everyone knew and loves Chloe and were happy to meet Tucker. He is at an awkward stage in his life, he's only 5 months and still developing. His hips are pathetic (like mine), and he's so clumsy! My aunt and uncle have a dog so we were introducing them. Then, the damn dog started to attack Tucker and jumped ontop of him! Tucker is under a table trying to get up and I was ready to kill my aunt and uncles dog! That's my baby! So anyway, while this is going on Chloe was barking away, trying to beat up my cousins dog! Chloe is 3lbs, Tucker is 40lbs, and my cousins dog is 30lbs! She's a fiesty one alright!
Saturday was a hot one. The day started out over cast, and was calling for thunder storms all day. After an hour of over cast the sun was bright and shining. My mom, uncle, cousins, nanny, great uncle, great aunt and myself all played horseshoes. We are all competitive so it was pretty funny how into it we got. My one cousin had to work and her older sister was going to a party that night so they had to leave unfourtunatly. My mom's sister, her husband, and 2 oldest kids had to leave because my cousins best friends mom passed away and it was the day of the funeral. Totally understandable! So they would be back at the end of the day.
Next we went down to the pond where everyone else was fishing away. Ryan had no worms to use, so he put a grape, that's right, a grape on the end of his line and no word of a lie, 30 seconds later he caught a 5lbs fish! It was the funniest thing! We always fish when camping and now have a fishing trophy that the winner get's to keep for the year and then brings it back the next year for the new winner. So far we were winning!
The rest of the afternoon, my uncle's 2 kids (I hate the one of them) came up for about 3 hours! The point was to stay up over night, not 3 hours. The female cousin talked to us for about an hour then went in a trailer alone for the other 2. We were playing Botchie Ball and Lawn Darts. Ryan was really having fun with the kids, aka my brother and my twin cousins his age. My cousin and her boyfriend had to leave aswell, so again, my cousins were all leaving. My great grandmother and great aunt came up for the day aswell.
Once everyone was really starting to leave and get dinner started, me and my cousin/teammate Shannon went on a walk down the street. We were both not impressed that everyone was leaving so we both vented. She also wanted to leave because she had to go to her summer job the next day, but felt like she had to stay since no one else was. She is one of my cousins closer to my age and we grew up together, so we've always been close. If it wasn't for her being there I would've died. Yes I talked with my aunts and uncles, but I'm not that close with them, and it was sort of awkward at points.
For dinner we had a huge BBQ and everyone provided something. It was so nice to have everyone that was there eat a meal with eachother. For dessert my great grandmother made Rice Pudding and once it was brought out all of my mom and her cousins raced to go get some like savages! It was so funny. While they were all fighting for some food, all of my generation was like 'what the heck is so great about Rice Puddin?'. The rain clouds came, but no rain yet so we all quickly cleaned up! It always rains when we're camping so we're used to it. We had thunder and lightning but no rain. Just my aunt and uncle came back, leaving their older two at home-thank God-they don't socialize what so ever so it's not like we were missing them that much. Supposedly there was a huge storm going on and everyone was texting us, and we had nothing but a few bangs, and lightning!
We had a short camp fire. But while that was going on, the prank war started! My brother and twin cousins put a frog in my fucking tent! And it was in my fucking bag! I hate bugs and frogs and snakes (which we all saw!). So they got it out. Then before my brother and the twins bed time (they were all in a tent together), Ryan snuck into their tent and jumped out and scared them! I had a great laugh! In the morning when we were cleaning up Ryan threw a fucking dragon fly in our tent and held the zipper so I couldn't get out! What an asshole! (We love eachother so much haha!).
We ended up staying longer then planned, went canoeing, floated on a raft, and Ryan won his fishing trophy, he was the only one who caught a fish! We left, got ice cream (I love brownie ice cream!) and we stopped in at my great grandmother's for a bit. Then we got home. It was nice being away but damn I missed my bed!
In the end I had a great weekend and want to go camping again! Family is so important and I can't stress it enough how much you should take these opportunities while you have them. I know it may not seem as cool to hang out with your family, but it's all you got in the end. It gives you a chance to catch up, see people you don't usually see, do something different and have a great weekend. Not to mention get a tan! And mosquito bites....my bum is covered (the one place I didn't spray!). Both Ryan and I loved it!
Thanks for reading my blog and finding out how my long weekend was! I hope everyone had a great time with their families this beautiful long weekend! It's time for me to take a break from this blog, and prepare for my surgery tomorrow morning. It's nothing big, just fixing a plate in my nose (long story!). Can't wait to catch up with you all soon,
Brittany xoxo
Monday, July 4, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My Sister's Graduation!
Well my sister did it! She graduated grade 8 and is officially a miner niner! It seems like just yesterday she was a little girl going to school the first time. Yesterday I got the privillage of going with her to get her hair done and get ready for her big night. She looked amazing! Her blue dress really accented her eyes and made them pop, her make up made her look so much more beautiful and her hair-that was just to top it all off! You became a true lady last night.
Nicole, you were once the quiet little girl who was always determined, smart and ready for a challenge. Now, your still the same, but older and more of a woman. You have also finally come out of your shell! I can remember you trying to tie your shoes at age 4, sitting on the first step until you finally got it and was satisfied. Now, your trying to learn the Pythagrian Theorm. You were also the little girl who didn't need her mommy on the first day of school, you were more than ready. Now, your off to highschool! Your off to the big leagues kid. I hate to say it, but my little girl is growing up!
Last night my sister was honoured with 3 major awards; Valedvictorian, the J.D. Memorial Award, and the Principle's Leadership Award. All are such great honours to receive. Not only were you successful with your leadership opportunities both outside and inside the classroom, you were successful in achademics. Nicole also won 1st class honours! Yeah, she's always been very smart.
Since she was valedvictorian, she had a speech. Her peers had voted for her to be the female valedvictorian, along with one of her close guy friends to be the male. The students didn't know until they announced their names, and they were all very happy she won. I knew she had been selected previous to the ceremony, and I think I was more nervous than she was! I was shitting bricks for her. My sister nailed it, and I was so proud!
If anyone saw my tweets or facebook status', you would notice that I was constantly saying: "I'm so proud of her!". I also told her that a million times last night and today! Last night alone I got to see the beautiful transformation of a once young girl, to a beautiful woman. I am sure she will be very successful in the future.
Not only was I proud of her, and my family, but Ryan was extremly proud. Ryan and Nicole get along so well. They always joke around with eachother, always in disscussion, and always kind to eachother. Ryan is the youngest of 9 children, and never had a younger sister, just 7 older one's. So Nicole is truley like a little sister to him, and he to has witnessed her transformation over the years. He was "wooing" with me last night everytime she was mentioned. It was cute to see how excited he got for her. And now that she too is going to the highschool that he teaches at, along with our cousin, he could possibly be her english teacher, and will be seeing her in the halls, making sure she's out of trouble and out of reach from boys. (I'm protective alright!)
Nicole, I'm so proud of you for graduating, and all your success over the years. You may say that I am a role model to you, but your my role model. I love you so much and wish you all the best in the future! Congrats to the grad!
from the proud big sister,
Brittany xoxo :)
Nicole, you were once the quiet little girl who was always determined, smart and ready for a challenge. Now, your still the same, but older and more of a woman. You have also finally come out of your shell! I can remember you trying to tie your shoes at age 4, sitting on the first step until you finally got it and was satisfied. Now, your trying to learn the Pythagrian Theorm. You were also the little girl who didn't need her mommy on the first day of school, you were more than ready. Now, your off to highschool! Your off to the big leagues kid. I hate to say it, but my little girl is growing up!
Last night my sister was honoured with 3 major awards; Valedvictorian, the J.D. Memorial Award, and the Principle's Leadership Award. All are such great honours to receive. Not only were you successful with your leadership opportunities both outside and inside the classroom, you were successful in achademics. Nicole also won 1st class honours! Yeah, she's always been very smart.
Since she was valedvictorian, she had a speech. Her peers had voted for her to be the female valedvictorian, along with one of her close guy friends to be the male. The students didn't know until they announced their names, and they were all very happy she won. I knew she had been selected previous to the ceremony, and I think I was more nervous than she was! I was shitting bricks for her. My sister nailed it, and I was so proud!
If anyone saw my tweets or facebook status', you would notice that I was constantly saying: "I'm so proud of her!". I also told her that a million times last night and today! Last night alone I got to see the beautiful transformation of a once young girl, to a beautiful woman. I am sure she will be very successful in the future.
Not only was I proud of her, and my family, but Ryan was extremly proud. Ryan and Nicole get along so well. They always joke around with eachother, always in disscussion, and always kind to eachother. Ryan is the youngest of 9 children, and never had a younger sister, just 7 older one's. So Nicole is truley like a little sister to him, and he to has witnessed her transformation over the years. He was "wooing" with me last night everytime she was mentioned. It was cute to see how excited he got for her. And now that she too is going to the highschool that he teaches at, along with our cousin, he could possibly be her english teacher, and will be seeing her in the halls, making sure she's out of trouble and out of reach from boys. (I'm protective alright!)
Nicole, I'm so proud of you for graduating, and all your success over the years. You may say that I am a role model to you, but your my role model. I love you so much and wish you all the best in the future! Congrats to the grad!
from the proud big sister,
Brittany xoxo :)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
My Big Fat Greek Weekend
So this weekend was my Big Fat Greek Weekend, literally. On saturday my little cousin Zach got baptised. Since it was on the Greek side, he had a greek baptism. There are quite a lot of differences between the Anglican way and the Greek Orthodox way. I also learned a lot about the Greek church. I got in trouble for crossing my legs in the church, women are not allowed to cross their legs in church because it isn't proper ediquite. So that was new to me.
The baptism was very long. The ceremony took forever and afterwards you go to a restaraunt and eat and celebrate. The food wasn't that good, the Greek salad was amazing-and I don't like Greek salad at all, and I got a steak which was good. But the rest was bad. At my table I had my parents, brother and sister, uncle and papou, Ryan and my little cousin Lucas. So we spent our night making sure he eats. It was fun.
Then today we had my uncle's fiancee's bridal shower. The Greeks do everything big so she had about 50-60 people at her bridal shower! It was at a restaraunt which was lovely, I really liked it, and sat with my mom, sister, cousin, and aunts. My great aunt-my thia is very rude and I was ready to kill myself and her! She is the women who will yell at people telling them that things aren't right. She ruined my grandmother's funeral last summer because she wanted to do it the Greek way, when my grandmother is Masadonian.
The bridal shower was much different from mine. I had no idea about mine, which was cool because I enjoyed the surprise and not having the added stress about it. She planned it herself and I must admit it, but she did a kick ass job! My mom planned mine and surprised me, and my mother in law did one for me with the Babacock side. The played cute games, like at mine. But it was very anti-social because you were stuck at your table and we only knew those at our table. It was also very emotional and touching because both my uncle and his fiancee lost their mothers so they made sure that they were involved too. She wrote a beautiful speech and we were all bawling!
At the table we were all comparing the weddings and how they all had Greek weddings. I didn't. I'm baptised Anglican, not orthodox, and I don't have a Greek first name so I couldn't be as a baby. Plus, Ryan isn't Orthodox so why would we have a Greek service if neither of us were baptised Orthodox. I understood that it would've meant the world to my papou-grandpa-and my dad but they understood. We did add traditions to the service and reception, because it was important to me that my Greek heritage was involved with my wedding. We had dancing which was fun, and all my mom's family, Ryan's family, and our friends had a good time because they don't go to Greek weddings often.
My thia didn't understand why I didn't have a Greek wedding and was offended. But it's not your place to say anything, and the only reason she was invited was because she is my papous sister in law. And the one thing that my uncle said that he will be doing at his wedding is a memory table, where we had a picture of a loved one the we wished was able to attend our wedding in person and lit a candle that stayed lit all night in memory. We had one for my grandfather, my aunt, his grandparents that have passed and aunts and uncles. My uncle told my soon-to-be aunt about it and she said she wants to do that aswell. Which is cool for me to hear that people liked that touch.
My uncle also asked me (he showed up at the end) about this video that we did at our wedding. We had a slideshow of pictures of us together throughout our relationship and childhood, and then we had a video of interviews like on tv. We had our families be interviewd about our relationship and what they thought of us, and we were interviewed on ourselves and how we met. So he asked me about that, so I'm sure that'll be funny.
When my uncle came out he brought basketball jersey's for the bride and the bridesmaids. He loves basketball! Which is what I had done but with tshirts. There was one that said Bride on the back, MOH, Maide # so and so, and the same with the groomsmen. And the parents got one, and the grandparents got one too. My grandma got one that said G-ma cuz my nanny is a G! haha!
So that was my weekend. I'm excited for the wedding coming up and the upcoming family events. Of course now that I got marraige out of the way, my family was teasing me about a baby this weekend. At the baptism Ryan was so awkward when people would tease him about it or ask. He's very shy when it comes to my extended family and acts responsible and like a grown up. So I guess that's next for me. And to enjoy my summer!
Britt :)
The baptism was very long. The ceremony took forever and afterwards you go to a restaraunt and eat and celebrate. The food wasn't that good, the Greek salad was amazing-and I don't like Greek salad at all, and I got a steak which was good. But the rest was bad. At my table I had my parents, brother and sister, uncle and papou, Ryan and my little cousin Lucas. So we spent our night making sure he eats. It was fun.
Then today we had my uncle's fiancee's bridal shower. The Greeks do everything big so she had about 50-60 people at her bridal shower! It was at a restaraunt which was lovely, I really liked it, and sat with my mom, sister, cousin, and aunts. My great aunt-my thia is very rude and I was ready to kill myself and her! She is the women who will yell at people telling them that things aren't right. She ruined my grandmother's funeral last summer because she wanted to do it the Greek way, when my grandmother is Masadonian.
The bridal shower was much different from mine. I had no idea about mine, which was cool because I enjoyed the surprise and not having the added stress about it. She planned it herself and I must admit it, but she did a kick ass job! My mom planned mine and surprised me, and my mother in law did one for me with the Babacock side. The played cute games, like at mine. But it was very anti-social because you were stuck at your table and we only knew those at our table. It was also very emotional and touching because both my uncle and his fiancee lost their mothers so they made sure that they were involved too. She wrote a beautiful speech and we were all bawling!
At the table we were all comparing the weddings and how they all had Greek weddings. I didn't. I'm baptised Anglican, not orthodox, and I don't have a Greek first name so I couldn't be as a baby. Plus, Ryan isn't Orthodox so why would we have a Greek service if neither of us were baptised Orthodox. I understood that it would've meant the world to my papou-grandpa-and my dad but they understood. We did add traditions to the service and reception, because it was important to me that my Greek heritage was involved with my wedding. We had dancing which was fun, and all my mom's family, Ryan's family, and our friends had a good time because they don't go to Greek weddings often.
My thia didn't understand why I didn't have a Greek wedding and was offended. But it's not your place to say anything, and the only reason she was invited was because she is my papous sister in law. And the one thing that my uncle said that he will be doing at his wedding is a memory table, where we had a picture of a loved one the we wished was able to attend our wedding in person and lit a candle that stayed lit all night in memory. We had one for my grandfather, my aunt, his grandparents that have passed and aunts and uncles. My uncle told my soon-to-be aunt about it and she said she wants to do that aswell. Which is cool for me to hear that people liked that touch.
My uncle also asked me (he showed up at the end) about this video that we did at our wedding. We had a slideshow of pictures of us together throughout our relationship and childhood, and then we had a video of interviews like on tv. We had our families be interviewd about our relationship and what they thought of us, and we were interviewed on ourselves and how we met. So he asked me about that, so I'm sure that'll be funny.
When my uncle came out he brought basketball jersey's for the bride and the bridesmaids. He loves basketball! Which is what I had done but with tshirts. There was one that said Bride on the back, MOH, Maide # so and so, and the same with the groomsmen. And the parents got one, and the grandparents got one too. My grandma got one that said G-ma cuz my nanny is a G! haha!
So that was my weekend. I'm excited for the wedding coming up and the upcoming family events. Of course now that I got marraige out of the way, my family was teasing me about a baby this weekend. At the baptism Ryan was so awkward when people would tease him about it or ask. He's very shy when it comes to my extended family and acts responsible and like a grown up. So I guess that's next for me. And to enjoy my summer!
Britt :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Family & Friends What More Do Ya Need?
So it has occured to me that I officailly love my family and friends like you would not believe. I have been blessed with such amazing people in my life and I'm so thankful to have them with me. This weekend I have spent time with my family and some close friends and I just thought I'd like to share what went down this long-beautiful-weekend.
Friday I spent time with one of my best friends Julia, who just had a baby girl, my God Daughter Isabella. Again, being there to witness her birth was so unreal. It was so neat, and a bit awkward to be in the delivery room, but it just makes me excited for when its our time to start our own family! I also had the best webcam chat with Paige who is living back in Texas with her hubby and beautiful kids. Her back is still killing her, but I'm excited to see her this week in New York for a banquet. That night Ryan and I got together with some of our friends who he works with and we went to dinner. Great couples night!
Saturday was beautiful! Had a sleep-in for once, and got to tan! That afternoon we had a barbeque with his family. And with Ryan being the youngest of 9 children, there was a lot of people. Usually we have barbeques at our house because its big, and we have a pool, hot tub, and a huge backyard for the kids to play in. But we had it at his sister Carol's house. The kids played at the park they live literally right next to, so it was pretty much just us hanging out, having good time. The traffic on the way there was insane! Why the heck anyone would close the major highway on a long weekend beats me. Their crazy I tell ya! I think Ryan flipped off every person there and I was screaming at the dumb drivers. I'm sorry but it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving here, so stop doing it! Grr! Anyways....
Yesterday morning I went out to brekfeast with my daddy and we had a good time. I always get along with my dad, we're cut from the same cloth. Then I went out shopping for a BBQ that we were hosting that night with my dad's side of the family. So my papou, uncles, aunt, cousins, parents siblings, and to my surprise my nanny from my moms side came on out and we had a nice afternoon. My one little cousin Zach, who is 9 months cannot leave his mothers side, and I actually stopped him from crying and even fed him! I felt so happy because he didn't cry with me. (Hey-it's an accomplishment!)
And today I have been on and off with my volleyball friends from around the place. There's a huge banquet in New York on Thursday so I'll see my team again on Wed when we get down there. Shrimpy and I are going down together. I'm excited to see the girls because it's only been 2 weeks and I haven't seen them, just briefly talked to them. It doesn't hit you that the seasons over until they walk out the door or you drop them off at the airport. Talking on the phone sometimes just doesn't do it justice, or on web cam sometimes.
Anyway, Ryan's at the golf course with his buddies so I'm having a relaxing day. I love just being by myself after being around so many people for a few days. I like my privacy. So that was my weekend and what I had so say about my family and friends. Thanks for reading,
Brittany xoxo :)
Friday I spent time with one of my best friends Julia, who just had a baby girl, my God Daughter Isabella. Again, being there to witness her birth was so unreal. It was so neat, and a bit awkward to be in the delivery room, but it just makes me excited for when its our time to start our own family! I also had the best webcam chat with Paige who is living back in Texas with her hubby and beautiful kids. Her back is still killing her, but I'm excited to see her this week in New York for a banquet. That night Ryan and I got together with some of our friends who he works with and we went to dinner. Great couples night!
Saturday was beautiful! Had a sleep-in for once, and got to tan! That afternoon we had a barbeque with his family. And with Ryan being the youngest of 9 children, there was a lot of people. Usually we have barbeques at our house because its big, and we have a pool, hot tub, and a huge backyard for the kids to play in. But we had it at his sister Carol's house. The kids played at the park they live literally right next to, so it was pretty much just us hanging out, having good time. The traffic on the way there was insane! Why the heck anyone would close the major highway on a long weekend beats me. Their crazy I tell ya! I think Ryan flipped off every person there and I was screaming at the dumb drivers. I'm sorry but it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving here, so stop doing it! Grr! Anyways....
Yesterday morning I went out to brekfeast with my daddy and we had a good time. I always get along with my dad, we're cut from the same cloth. Then I went out shopping for a BBQ that we were hosting that night with my dad's side of the family. So my papou, uncles, aunt, cousins, parents siblings, and to my surprise my nanny from my moms side came on out and we had a nice afternoon. My one little cousin Zach, who is 9 months cannot leave his mothers side, and I actually stopped him from crying and even fed him! I felt so happy because he didn't cry with me. (Hey-it's an accomplishment!)
And today I have been on and off with my volleyball friends from around the place. There's a huge banquet in New York on Thursday so I'll see my team again on Wed when we get down there. Shrimpy and I are going down together. I'm excited to see the girls because it's only been 2 weeks and I haven't seen them, just briefly talked to them. It doesn't hit you that the seasons over until they walk out the door or you drop them off at the airport. Talking on the phone sometimes just doesn't do it justice, or on web cam sometimes.
Anyway, Ryan's at the golf course with his buddies so I'm having a relaxing day. I love just being by myself after being around so many people for a few days. I like my privacy. So that was my weekend and what I had so say about my family and friends. Thanks for reading,
Brittany xoxo :)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Well my last game with the team was today, and I'm very mixed about it. I mean I'm glad that its over and that we can get a break and everything, and I can spend so much time with my family and Ryan. But I'm leaving my sisters, and their leaving me. We have been so close together and it was an amazing season. And this tournament in Quebec was a good ending to the season.
We headed up on Wed. with my mom, Megan and her mom. Since we were playing on mothers day, by the way, happy mothers day! we thought we should bring our mothers to come along for the ride. They all enjoyed themselves a bit too much. It was funny, I think they bonded a lot more than the team. They went to dinner and had drinks and just had fun.
All day thursday we had press and interviews and all that fun stuff with sports tv stations, local stations for the french, and some magazine. It was so much fun! We also ate real French Poutine! So full afterwards! Than we had opening ceremonies, which is like the Olympics. We only had 5 of us there though. Plus, we lost 2 players, so we were down. Friday we went on walks and shopped, I went crazy and got nothing!
On Friday when playing we lost all our games. Afterwards I bonded with Shrimpy while our parents went out. Girl talk is so easy for us. It was a rollercoaster ride. And with some not so nice words from my coach, I was not impressed. Saturday we walked around the neighborhood, bonded in our rooms and played. I had lunch with Shrimpy while our parents were adventuring the city. We won one of our games, and almost won another. I also got to watch my men's team play and see them, which was always fun! After we had a team meeting for the coaches and gave them presents. We got our coach beer and all that stuff. And we went out to dinner and had a few drinks-some more than others!
Sunday we went to brekfeast and had literally no time to prepare! So we went on and almost won. We played our hearts out and unfourtunatly lost. I had fun and that's all that matters. We didn't really care about the money, we were there for an extended season and a good time. We went home a little disappointed but I think happy.
I hope my mom had a good time with us this weekend and had a happy mothers day! I got to get off this computer and continue with these emails! I'll be busy helping my friend with her wedding, and my other friend is about to give birth to my godchild anytime now! Lot's to look forward to! Thanks for reading,
keep on rocking,
Britt xoxo :)
(@TotalBlocksicle on Twitter)
We headed up on Wed. with my mom, Megan and her mom. Since we were playing on mothers day, by the way, happy mothers day! we thought we should bring our mothers to come along for the ride. They all enjoyed themselves a bit too much. It was funny, I think they bonded a lot more than the team. They went to dinner and had drinks and just had fun.
All day thursday we had press and interviews and all that fun stuff with sports tv stations, local stations for the french, and some magazine. It was so much fun! We also ate real French Poutine! So full afterwards! Than we had opening ceremonies, which is like the Olympics. We only had 5 of us there though. Plus, we lost 2 players, so we were down. Friday we went on walks and shopped, I went crazy and got nothing!
On Friday when playing we lost all our games. Afterwards I bonded with Shrimpy while our parents went out. Girl talk is so easy for us. It was a rollercoaster ride. And with some not so nice words from my coach, I was not impressed. Saturday we walked around the neighborhood, bonded in our rooms and played. I had lunch with Shrimpy while our parents were adventuring the city. We won one of our games, and almost won another. I also got to watch my men's team play and see them, which was always fun! After we had a team meeting for the coaches and gave them presents. We got our coach beer and all that stuff. And we went out to dinner and had a few drinks-some more than others!
Sunday we went to brekfeast and had literally no time to prepare! So we went on and almost won. We played our hearts out and unfourtunatly lost. I had fun and that's all that matters. We didn't really care about the money, we were there for an extended season and a good time. We went home a little disappointed but I think happy.
I hope my mom had a good time with us this weekend and had a happy mothers day! I got to get off this computer and continue with these emails! I'll be busy helping my friend with her wedding, and my other friend is about to give birth to my godchild anytime now! Lot's to look forward to! Thanks for reading,
keep on rocking,
Britt xoxo :)
(@TotalBlocksicle on Twitter)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The end of another season
Well I can't believe yet another season is over. Hard to believe that just in August we were doing drafts and trades. A lot has happened this year and I think it helped change me as a person. I learned a lot about myself, and others. Looking back it was such an up and down year for my life that definatly changed me.
Looking back to our first practice as a team we were all ready to come back together and kick ass this season, unlike last year when we never got the chance. The bonding was back, the laughter was back, the drive to succeed was back, and most importantly the skill. With some new editions to the team I believe that we were more than welcoming to our new girls.
Sure there was some drama between one of players last season, but she changed for the better and as a team we all got along great with her. Sure we all pulled her leg about everything, but it was pretty funny. Last year we really didn't have any drama, this year, we started off to a bad start. One player on our team, has a reputation of being the 'cancer' on the team. Tons of people have told me but I never believed it, when I should have.
After many therapy sessions with the team, and bonding we pulled through it and was able to have a much better season than last year. Once we got on a good role, I however did not, with a huge injury that knocked me out for 8 weeks-or something like that, I can't remember. Ankle injuries suck! As the girls said, they were lost without their captain on the court, being on the bench was so different. I had a lot of damage to my ankle and emotionally. I did go through some tough stuff about myself and the recovery process was extremly difficult. My coach wasn't supportive and was trying to push me to do things I was not capable of doing.
It was frustrating for me to go to practice and mess up on something that normally I wouldn't of messed up on, and get yelled at for it. In volleyball everybody knows that you messed up and the last thing you need is for people to yell at you, you already feel bad enough. I tried a new amazing thing called MAT, which got me back to normal in no time! And caused a bit of hip and lower back pain to come back more than it normally does.
But anyway, we also got some cool opportunities this season! We went to Cuba to play internationally, we met the Prime Minister again, we travelled to new places, won more games, had more press, and I even got to go to Mexico with Nicole for a 2 day press event while the rest of the team was going through the hell of passing practices (truley your legs cannot work after 3 hours of doing that position!) I loved it! And we lost a player Paige due to a back injury.
In play-off's we did alright during the first 2 days in New York, but day 3 we dominated! It was all about teamwork. We went around the city, ate together, did everything with people on our team. I think I spent so much time with Shrimpy, Meg and Kim. Even Kally and Katie. And our families even came to watch in New York! My parents, siblings and Ryan all came down to see us play! It was so much fun to see the look on their faces during the coast finals when we were at game point.
Our first game was so strong! We came out as a team, we worked hard and we proved ourselves! I like to call us the 'Come back Kids' because truley we did comeback! Normally if we get down on ourselves or start losing points, ,we can't have a comeback. But all it took was one good hit or serve and we were on a roll and would win the games! It was amazing! And you know what? We even came 3rd in the East coast! We went in ranked like 16th. I don't know about you but I was proud!
Since we placed 3rd in the east coast, that meant we travelled to Edmonton Alberta! I have only been there for a maximum of like 2 days, and I really want to go back. Sure it was frezzing cold and there was snow, but we had a blast! Hell, we even had a snowball fight! It was great. Sure we lost and placed 6th overall, I was pissed that we lost, but for a team that wasn't expected anything, we killed it. And I am so proud of us as a team!
And as our last dinner comes up, I have one thing to say, I am so proud of you ladies! I really mean it! I was so honoured to be captain yet again this year and to be a part of this amazing team. I think we grew as a team and as individuals. We all learned new things about ourselves and eachother, and was finally able to put aside our differences, act like friends off the court and truley act like sisters on the court! And in true team form, we fucked that shit up!
And I am honoured to say that our team was selected for the tournament in Montreal in a few weeks, I can't wait to dominate there too! We decided to take a week off, you know, spend time with family, spend easter with them, spend time with your kids-for those who have, and just take a break from volleyball for a week. But come wednesday, I'll see you all in the gym in the am. I bet you we'll all die when we get back. Thanks for reading and I'll definatly keep you posted,
xoxo,
Brittany, #10 (@TotalBlocksicle on Twitter)
Looking back to our first practice as a team we were all ready to come back together and kick ass this season, unlike last year when we never got the chance. The bonding was back, the laughter was back, the drive to succeed was back, and most importantly the skill. With some new editions to the team I believe that we were more than welcoming to our new girls.
Sure there was some drama between one of players last season, but she changed for the better and as a team we all got along great with her. Sure we all pulled her leg about everything, but it was pretty funny. Last year we really didn't have any drama, this year, we started off to a bad start. One player on our team, has a reputation of being the 'cancer' on the team. Tons of people have told me but I never believed it, when I should have.
After many therapy sessions with the team, and bonding we pulled through it and was able to have a much better season than last year. Once we got on a good role, I however did not, with a huge injury that knocked me out for 8 weeks-or something like that, I can't remember. Ankle injuries suck! As the girls said, they were lost without their captain on the court, being on the bench was so different. I had a lot of damage to my ankle and emotionally. I did go through some tough stuff about myself and the recovery process was extremly difficult. My coach wasn't supportive and was trying to push me to do things I was not capable of doing.
It was frustrating for me to go to practice and mess up on something that normally I wouldn't of messed up on, and get yelled at for it. In volleyball everybody knows that you messed up and the last thing you need is for people to yell at you, you already feel bad enough. I tried a new amazing thing called MAT, which got me back to normal in no time! And caused a bit of hip and lower back pain to come back more than it normally does.
But anyway, we also got some cool opportunities this season! We went to Cuba to play internationally, we met the Prime Minister again, we travelled to new places, won more games, had more press, and I even got to go to Mexico with Nicole for a 2 day press event while the rest of the team was going through the hell of passing practices (truley your legs cannot work after 3 hours of doing that position!) I loved it! And we lost a player Paige due to a back injury.
In play-off's we did alright during the first 2 days in New York, but day 3 we dominated! It was all about teamwork. We went around the city, ate together, did everything with people on our team. I think I spent so much time with Shrimpy, Meg and Kim. Even Kally and Katie. And our families even came to watch in New York! My parents, siblings and Ryan all came down to see us play! It was so much fun to see the look on their faces during the coast finals when we were at game point.
Our first game was so strong! We came out as a team, we worked hard and we proved ourselves! I like to call us the 'Come back Kids' because truley we did comeback! Normally if we get down on ourselves or start losing points, ,we can't have a comeback. But all it took was one good hit or serve and we were on a roll and would win the games! It was amazing! And you know what? We even came 3rd in the East coast! We went in ranked like 16th. I don't know about you but I was proud!
Since we placed 3rd in the east coast, that meant we travelled to Edmonton Alberta! I have only been there for a maximum of like 2 days, and I really want to go back. Sure it was frezzing cold and there was snow, but we had a blast! Hell, we even had a snowball fight! It was great. Sure we lost and placed 6th overall, I was pissed that we lost, but for a team that wasn't expected anything, we killed it. And I am so proud of us as a team!
And as our last dinner comes up, I have one thing to say, I am so proud of you ladies! I really mean it! I was so honoured to be captain yet again this year and to be a part of this amazing team. I think we grew as a team and as individuals. We all learned new things about ourselves and eachother, and was finally able to put aside our differences, act like friends off the court and truley act like sisters on the court! And in true team form, we fucked that shit up!
And I am honoured to say that our team was selected for the tournament in Montreal in a few weeks, I can't wait to dominate there too! We decided to take a week off, you know, spend time with family, spend easter with them, spend time with your kids-for those who have, and just take a break from volleyball for a week. But come wednesday, I'll see you all in the gym in the am. I bet you we'll all die when we get back. Thanks for reading and I'll definatly keep you posted,
xoxo,
Brittany, #10 (@TotalBlocksicle on Twitter)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Play-off's Right Around The Corner
Okay, I am the crappiest blogger in the world! I know I don't do well on updating, but whatever. So play-off's are quickly approaching and the madness is soon to begin! This year we are heading to New York for round 1, there we will play in our east coast pool, sorta like the olympics kinda. Then depending on how we do, we could either go home or go to Edmonton and continue on to round 2! I don't know about you but I want to go to Edmonton! The week before play-off's start is always busy. You literally work out all day to prepare yourself for keeping up the energy even when you've given it your all. The morning starts out with a session in the gym, weightlifting, muscle conditioning, and all that stuff for an hour. Then we do the longest stretch ever. Then lunch, usually healthy. Then we spend about 2 hours actually playing with balls. Maybe at night you'd do yoga or pilates, or get a massage-their amazing! Or you would be like Shrimpy and myself and spend some extra time on the court. The other day we had passing for 4 hours straight, that is a terrible thing! Staying in ready position for that long will kill you! Thankffully I only had 2 and a half hours, then I had an interview. Sucks for the rest of my team! Not only is the training intense, but your meal plan is so healthy, even health itself would need a junk foos break. Typically your meal would look like this; a large healthy brekfeast, (eggs&all that fun stuff) smoothie, organge juice and fruit. Then a snack, fruit and granola, with this nasty healthy drink. Lunch is usually with meat and a whole lot of vegetables with water. Afternoon snack is typically the same as the morning, but with vegetables. Dinner is usually something with a lot of meat and carbs, always eat something with a lot of carbs before you play or do physical activity. And your night snack is again, something, and drinking lemon tea to relax you for a good sleep and help your voice so you can have it for when you play. So we have a pretty structure day, and it might get to the point to where our coach get's us hotels so we won't get distracted. So we're not supposed to see our families and friends, but we all make time to anyway, cuz the play-off schedual is much worst! It's good to get yu focused though. What we also do at hotels is our coach could wake us up at anytime or take us to the court at anytime during the day to go play so you are always ready. And with our luck we most definatly will need it! Unfourtunatly this year we have an injury, Paige is out with a bad back injury which will prevent her from playing for the rest of the season. Its unfourtunate but I guess that's what needs to happen if we want her for later on this season. We're also on a watch for Shannon due to a fresh finger injury, like myself. Hopefully we won't get hurt anytime soon! Can't wait till play-off's start as much as I admit it. But it means that our season is coming to a close end and I don't want it to be over. Then again I need a break. I also will be travelling to play on a national division team in Thailand and quite possibly Brazil. Who knows what could happen there? Leaving for New York on Friday, can't wait to go kick some ass! Let's Fuck some serious shit up ladies! ♥ Brittany! :) (@TotalBlocksicle on Twitter)
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