Weekend Spontenaity

This morning my spin instructor said "this is where we find out how your nutrition was over the weekend" and my first thought was "oh no."

It happens, we have all had a period of 24-48 hours where calories are not counted, but sometimes it is so worth it. Seriously though, having a bit of a diet cheat will not hurt you in the long run as long as you acknowledge that it is a mild/temporary cheat and not a dietary change! My weekend started with an awesome concert at Herndon's Friday Night Live with some of my family and ended with me hanging out on the patio playing 2048 (thanks to Dawson for getting me re-addicted to that one...)

The best way that I can describe this weekend is to say that I had an amazing time just living in the moment.

Traveling to Charlottesville on Saturday for the afternoon turned into me not getting home until 6:45pm on Sunday after a last minute decision to pounce on some tickets that Maryland released to UVA for the game yesterday. It was so much fun to get to hang out at a ball game with my friends (and teach Meghan baseball...she is teaching me soccer). Honestly, I wouldn't have done the weekend any differently and it made me really think about sweating the small stuff, something I am guilty of doing all the time. Instead, I took a couple of days of just going with the flow and I feel so rejuvenated going in to this work week!

If any of y'all are interested in tuning into the decisive game 3 in the UVA-UMD series, it is going to be on tonight at 7pm on ESPNU! Or you can watch the Orioles-Red Sox game that I'm gonna be at (have I mentioned that I love my internship).

Baseball by the Numbers

If you read my blog post from last week, you know that I was MIA due to a few wonderful days at the beach. Oh, and on that note, I somehow failed to upload the pics of the actual decorated Bubba Keg to my blog, so they're up now if you want to take a look!

Also, yesterday on Instagram I revealed that I will be spending my summer interning for MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) and I could not be more excited for it. I love that things are falling into place for this summer and can't wait for it all to start on Monday. Actually, I am really enjoying this weekend of doing absolutely nothing so that might have been a bit of a lie.

Part of my R and R weekend is going to a Washington Nationals game later today. I love baseball (obviously) and an afternoon at a ballpark is my ideal summer afternoon! That being said, it's a bit chilly and cloudy today...what gives, mother nature? In light of my internship and afternoon plans, I have decided to do Baseball By the Numbers:

1- Number of Hot Dogs You Should Eat

2- Maximum Number of Strike you can get on Foul Balls

2:57- Average Game Length

3- Strikes in an out and Outs in half an inning (aka each team gets 3 outs)

4- Number of Balls for a Walk

6-4-3 or 5-4-3- Common Double Play Combos (shortstop-second-first or third-second-first) each position on the field has an assigned number

9- Numbers of Players in the Field

16- Ounces in a Beer

30- Number of Teams in the MLB

60-70- Number of Baseballs Used Per Game

396.5- Average Home Run Distance

xoxo,

SSP

The Friday Five: Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

Let's Play Ball! Yes, ladies and gents, it is that time of year again, probably my favorite time of year. March 31st is officially Opening Day for MLB (though there's a game on the 30th) and I am so ready. One of the best and worst things about spending my Spring Break in Florida is that I get a taste of baseball and warm weather again, only to have to come home and anxiously await it's arrival in Charlottesville.

Before I go any further though, I just want to make sure that all y'all are going to tune in to see the Virginia Basketball Team beat Michigan State tonight! The game is at 9:57 (late, I know...) and everyone should be in their best blue and orange ready to cheer on the Cavaliers! Anyways, in honor of Opening Day, today's Five on Friday is baseball themed to get you ready for the season ahead.

1) The Captain Says Farewell

{via}

Is it even remotely surprising that I am kicking off this list with my main man? Nope. Well, this is Derek Jeter's last season as a professional baseball player and my Yankees are going to rely on him pretty heavily in that infield with weak support at 2nd and 3rd. (hopefully Teixeira has a good season at 1st though). This farewell tour is going to be rough since we are just getting over the loss of Mo, but I'm confident that I speak for all Yankees fans when I say that we are so grateful for all the years, rings, and memories with him! #2 on the field, but #1 in our hearts!

2) Make Opening Day a National Holiday

{via}

This was actually a White House petition and it received its 100,000 signatures much faster than anticipated. As a result, President Obama's White House will have to decide if the Opening Day of America's Favorite Pastime is worthy of a national holiday.

3) 10 Games to Watch in 2014

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Sports Illustrated compiled a list of the 10 games to watch in 2014 for those of you who are interested in watching more than just the team you're a diehard fan for. Notice the Yankees are absent from this list, yet another sign of the struggles that seem to await us this season. That being said, I think Derek Jeter's final game as a Yankee is going to be one to watch (through blurry tear-filled eyes) as the last of the Core Four heads to retirement.

4) Beat the Streak

Tired of looking at your abysmal March Madness bracket? Well sign up for MLB.com's Beat the Streak. The longest hitting streak in the MLB is held by a former Yankee, Joe DiMaggio, and it stands at 56 games. In this online MLB game, or app, you will pick a player (or double down with 2) each day and if they get a hit, your streak is extended by one. It is a fun game to play, even if you end up getting your streak busted pretty early. Plus this year there are scratch-off prizes for short streaks as well! I think it's a fun way to keep up with how players around the league are performing, so if you're a baseball fan this is definitely worth checking out.

5) LA Dodgers Are Paying the Big Bucks

{via}

Guess what? We can stop giving the Yankees so much flack about financing a huge payroll because this year, the Dodgers are doing it even bigger. Yes, for the first time in 15 years, the Yankees do not have the highest payroll by $33 million...which means that even if A-Roid wasn't banned, the Dodgers would still claim that title. Oh, and the Yankees are the highest-valued franchise in America, so really their payroll is proportional to what they bring in, right? Yes, it's a bit of a stretch...

Are you ready for baseball to start?

xoxo,

SSP

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...Spring Training

Thank God it is warm again today because going from 75 and sunny in Florida to 30 degrees here yesterday was a rough transition. That being said, I am still daydreaming about being in Florida and watching baseball. My perfect lazy afternoon would be spent at a baseball stadium and Spring Training is a great way to do that. As you may notice in my pictures, the parks are much more intimate than a normal stadium and the overall atmosphere is much more relaxed. One of my greatest memories of Spring Training was a couple of years ago, in seats similar to the ones we had in the picture below, and Nick Swisher interacting and joking with the fans (including myself) during the game. 

beer and baseball: a great combo

How else is Spring Training different? Well, the number of guys there is significantly higher than a roster, especially in the first couple of weeks. It is always exciting to see the non-roster invitees because they're the minor league players who are (hopefully) the future of the franchise, or at least trade material for other players. Yankees fans tend to be more invested in their farm system after the Core Four. Of course, ownership's approach to the farm system has changed over the years...but that's probably something that none of y'all care about.

Since there are so many players, sometimes combinations like this pop up and you just can't help but chuckle a bit...

I didn't take this, but it made me laugh

It is a great environment to watch baseball, even if you aren't a fan of the teams playing. Honestly, we were just happy to be wearing shorts for once! 

Beer and Baseball again! Loving that I'm in Lilly and Jacks and the
boys are in Chubbies and Sperrys...so typical for our family

Oh, and to see those players we've had a crush on since we were 5...

Or pictures with the now-retired number of one of your all-time favorites...

And to see famous people throw out the first pitch! Can you even tell that's Richard Gere? He was going seriously incognito in that outfit...

Getting to enjoy dinner and drinks outside was also a huge perk!

Frenchy's Iconic Grouper Sandwich...it's so good!

 Basically we were just happy to be there taking it all in!

Oh, and sometimes you fish on the same boat as a Yankees player, 5 minutes after he gets off! Gosh, I wish I had realized that is why I recognized the guy getting into the car next to us as we pulled up to the marina. 

we went fishing

If you get the chance to get to a game in Arizona or Florida, definitely do it! The parks are small so there really isn't a bad seat and it's so much fun to explore all the different parks and the towns they're located in! Even if you aren't a dedicated fan but an afternoon of having sun warming your skin at a ballpark sounds appealing, this is the place for you. Not everyone there is a diehard fan, though you will definitely find some...

What a dedicated fan! How many people do you think take a picture with that truck?

Well, it's back to reality for me, how did you spend your Spring Break?

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. Congrats to my Cavaliers on winning today!!!

The Friday Five

It is finally Spring Break! I am so excited to see my Momma this afternoon and then leave for Florida tomorrow morning! Seriously though, I came out of my apartment this morning to find that there was a snow dusting last night...I am so over this weather. Anyways, there have been so many links and such that I love this week and I am just so elated for break that I can hardly contain myself.

1) 23 Most Annoying Things About Being a Female Sports Fan

can't wait to be back!

My friend Meghan wrote "did you write this?" when she posted this on my timeline this morning. Seriously though, last night at Boylan I was that girl standing at the bar watching the Clippers obliterate the Lakers rather than socializing. Oh, and I'm that girl going to watch baseball for my spring break with my dad and brothers rather than going to some tropical location with friends.

2) This Quote

I have been doing some self-evaluating lately and seeing as I recently cut my hair, I love this as inspiration. Thanks, Pinterest!

3) Kendra Scott Color Bar

I've talked about Kendra Scott earrings before, but I didn't know about this part of their site until Meghan told me. There was a pair of earrings that Kaitlyn Black wore on Hart of Dixie that I absolutely loved, but I wanted gold hardware instead of silver. Now I guess I can order them? This could be dangerous...

4) I am marrying "Logan Huntzberger" in a "traditional church wedding"

Buzzfeed quizzes have been on point this week. I got Logan, Brian from the Backstreet Boys and Mr. Darcy as my potential soul mates...all of which are more than ideal. 

5) Cavalier Basketball

cut down the net!!!

I know anyone can post anything on Buzzfeed, but I thought this was pretty great in the wake of UVA being ranked number one in the ACC. It is amazing to witness such a great team at my school, especially considering how great our football program is...

On that note, I do not expect Hokies to cheer for UVA basketball, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

What are you loving this week?

xoxo,

SSP

The Friday Five

Guess what? Next weekend is Spring Break and that means that I am Florida bound for the beach and, most importantly, baseball. I am so excited for this trip, I know I've gone the past two years, but this year K&N are coming too and we are going to have a great time. Anyways, I was trying to think of a nice way to recap the week and it got me thinking about the 5 on Friday that so many people seem to do and I decided to try it out for myself, so here are 5 of my favorite things from this week.

1) Corey Smith Concert- tonight at the Jefferson Theater

{via}

I am so excited to finally see Corey Smith in concert. I have been a big fan of his for a while now, but never got around to seeing him perform live. My brothers and their best friend cancelled on coming last minute (still bitter...) but I am still so looking forward to going to this with my friends. Oh, and Clayton Anderson, his opening act, is coming to my sorority house after brunch for a meet-and-greet and serenade, so that's pretty cool.

2) What Cheese are You?

{via}

I love Buzzfeed quizzes. Seriously, there is nothing like analyzing my life by what I choose as my favorite rom-com, alcoholic beverage and color, plus they're the best study breaks. This quiz I took yesterday is great because cheese is my favorite and I got Gouda which had a pretty great description. Please tell me that someone other than my friends and I take every single one of these...

3) Waterlogue

transformed this pic

This app has taken off like wildfire. I have been playing around with it for the last week and a half or so and I love it. The pic above is actually the background on my iPhone right now, I love the bright colors and I love that the original was actually a photo I took! I'll do a post on photo editing apps at some point, but for now, this one is definitely worth downloading!

4) Pinterest Quote

I love a good Pinterest quote binge, and this one made me chuckle. Be happy and positive, but be realistic too.

5) Spring Training has Started

he's back for one last season!
{via}

The boys are back and I am dying to get down to Tampa. I actually already did some research (shocker) on how the prospects did in the first couple of days and how they looked, etc. and sent it all in a sassy, opinionated email to my dad and brothers. It is really interesting to see how teams shape up with offseason roster changes and injuries, and this year is no different, especially for my Yankees. Get prepared for some blog posts about prepping for my trip to warmer weather!

Is there anything you saw this week that you absolutely loved?

xoxo,

SSP

#SochiProblems

Y'all, the olympics are here! Big surprise, this girl is super excited. However, I think this might be the first year that I am not totally bummed that I'm here in Charlottesville and not in the Olympic host city. Call me crazy, but I prefer my doors to have handles, flush toilet paper when I use the bathroom, and to have water that actually looks like water. Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, today's post will answer your question, and feature some links to other articles so that you are all ready to watch the games when the Olympic Opening Ceremonies finally broadcast at 7pm...8 hours after they actually happen...

1) @SochiProblems

This. Is. Absolutely. Crazy. I mean, seriously, how is this possible. I would understand a last minute construction project or two, maybe, but these problems are absurd. You have to read/see it to believe it. Personally, I think it's hilarious, but I get to go to bed in one that isn't too small for me and in a room with lights.

2) Shaun White Backs Out of Slopestyle

I chose this pic, because most of y'all will be confused
when he appears clean-shaven this week

He says it's because the course doesn't seem safe. Well, Torah Bright of Australia is competing in all three snowboarding events and she's still competing. Could he be backing out because he is not the favorite? That seems to be what most people involved in the snowboard community think, and based on some of the stuff they said in Vancouver, I wouldn't be too surprised...

3) Bob Costas in Glasses

rock those spectacles, Bob

Oh hey, Sochi Problems, long time no see. Yeah, our boy Bob has pink eye...maybe that's what's in the water 

4) Olympic Hockey

YEAH CARLY

That Canadian roster is scary good, y'all. Quite frankly, hockey is a hard event to predict because the whole thing can be thrown off early by a rogue game. We're talking March Madness type upsets...however, it does make for some exciting games. Also, injuries have plagued some of these rosters so it is worth taking a second look to see if your favorites are still playing or if they were added. I'm gonna be cheering the US boys (obviously), especially my Washington Capital, John Carlson. Of course, I'll pull for the other caps in their respective games as well. Oh, and owners, I realize it isn't ideal, but we want to see the best of the best out there on that ice come Olympic season every four years.

5) Security Threats

they look legit...

Well, apparently there have been quite a few serious security threats. Something to keep in mind here is that many big events have threats. Honestly, I think it just kind of plays into the general lack of organization people seem to be experiencing. 

Despite this list, I am still pretty stinking jealous that I'm not in Sochi. I don't care what the conditions are like, I WANNA BE THERE. Are you excited for the best two weeks of every two years?!?!

xoxo,

SSP

Superbowl Crash Course

The Superbowl starts in 30 minutes...and I totally forgot to put this post up (sorry!). But, if you are at a party or about to go watch the game, have fun. Still don't really know what's going on? Here is a super quick guide to all you need to know about the Superbowl.

Who: Denver Broncos v. Seattle Seahawks (pick who to cheer for here if you haven't already)

Where: MetLife Stadium...it's in New Jersey and it's outdoors, this is a big change from previous years

When: You should turn on your TV now...

Players To Know:

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning...you should probably know who he is already

Wes Welker: former Patriot, now a Bronco

Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson, Quarterback

the guy who isn't Tom Brady. He has a big personality but
he's great

Halftime Show: Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (it's no Beyonce, but whatever)

Drinking Game: Venus Trapped In Mars has a great one for those of you who aren't recovering from Boys Bid Night

Eat some wings (or Qdoba), drink some beer, have a great night!

xoxo,

SSP

Superbowl Legend: Vince Lombardi

Vince Lombardi, what a man. What a coach. What a legend. He is football, he is the enduring spirit of winning, and he was an amazing man. Arguably the most iconic man in the history of American football, his quotes are used on a daily basis to inspire athletes and mathletes alike, and the Superbowl Trophy has borne his name since his untimely death from cancer in 1970. This time of year always gets me thinking about him and the incredible legacy he left behind. On Sunday, one team will host the Vince Lombardi trophy high above their heads and become the "world champions" of football. 

Of course, the Superbowl also makes me think of Disney World. Oh, and when I went to google the origin of "I'm going to Disney World," I came across a Wikipedia article dedicated to it. Where would we be without wiki?

Anyways, I decided that Lombardi deserves a post to himself and I don't know about y'all, but I could certainly use some motivation for the end of the week, so here are some of his greatest quotes. I highly recommend looking into his life, personally, I really want to read his biography. Lombardi left a legacy of reaching to become the greatest one can be, something that we can all relate to, even if we aren't competing in the Superbowl on Sunday.

What is your favorite sports related quote?

xoxo,

SSP