Bunnies, Rattlers, and Pierogies

Jake and I had the first full weekend together since October and it was jam packed!  We started with a fabulous dinner with Dom at Oregano's on Friday.  He was in town to do radio for the Pittsburgh Power Arena Football League team that was taking on the Arizona Rattlers. It was great to catch up over some delicious food.  After dinner, Jakub and I went miniture golfing.  I honestly can't remember the last time that I went mini golfing but let me just say, I haven't lost my game. I won but it was a great fight to the end.

On Saturday, we attended the Arizona Rattlers game at US Airways Center.  It was a hard fought game but Arizona came out with the W at the end.  The Rattlers have won the Arena Bowl the last two years and are currently 5-0.  Do I smell a three-peat?

Easter Sunday was relaxing and I had a great day at home with my husband and furry kids.  I thought what better way to spend the holiday than to try and make my own pierogies!  I think I did a pretty good job and even received the seal of approval from Jake (the true Polak). Phew!  I can't imagine how Jake's grandma and mom make hundreds of these at a time...it took me an hour and a half to make 16!

I hope that everybunny had a wonderful Easter holiday.

M

USA vs. Mexico

I know, two blogs in 3 days.  Things are getting crazy!  On a serious note, Jake and I attended the United States vs. Mexico soccer game on Wednesday.  It was at University of Phoenix Stadium (where the Arizona Cardinals play) and I'm not sure that I was entirely prepared for what I witnessed.

Let me start off by saying I know nothing about soccer other than there is a World Cup every few years and it is referred to football in most other countries.  This might surprise some because I have such a love for sports but I just can't get into it.  Watching live is definitely different than watching on TV....times 1,000!

Jake and I dressed in our red, white, and blue and he even got me a USA scarf.  We had great seats and only about 18 rows from the field.  I'm pretty sure the USA fans were out numbered 3 to 1 by the Mexican fans.  We were surrounded.  The atmosphere was pumping and it was time for kickoff.  USA scored 2 goals in the first half and went into halftime up 2-0.  Mexico came out in the second half and scored 2 themselves. All 4 of the goals were on the end where we were sitting so that was pretty cool to see. The game ultimately ended up with a final score of 2-2.

We left around the 80' mark just in case things got crazy.  Lets just say the Mexico fans were fully "hydrated" by this point (with beer, not water) and it was a crazy scene.  Every time Mexico scored, they would throw their full glasses of beer and buckets of popcorn in the air.  We weren't really in the mood for a beer shower nor did we want to get stuck in the middle of a fight.....especially with the lovely USA fans that were in front of us.

Overall, we had a great time and I would definitely attend a live game again.  Who knows? I could be a closet soccer fan and not even know it!

M

March in a Nut Shell

I know I know...it's been forever since I've posted on this lovely blog of mine.  Life has been busy and sometimes gets away from us.  I thought the below bullet points should bring you quickly up to speed.

• Jakub and I caught a couple of Spring Training games this year.  We finally made it over to the Diamondbacks field which we have been trying to do since it opened.  It's a really nice ball park and we really enjoyed the game (thanks Scott!).  We also made it to the Oakland A's which we traditionally do every year.  This was the last year they were at Phoenix Municipal Park as they are moving to the old Cubs field next year.  The weather was amazing and it was nice to get out and enjoy the sunshine before summer shows her lovely face.

Chicago Cubs vs. Oakland A's

Jakub at Salt River Fields

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields

• Hockey, hockey, and more hockey! The Coyotes are definitely in the race of their lives to clinch one of the Wild Card playoff spots.  We've had some crazy exciting games the past few weeks and am pretty sure we're not going to know a yay or nay until the end of the regular season.

Florida Panthers vs. Phoenix Coyotes - Jovo back in Arizona!

• Our trip to Europe is in 3 months....yikes! So much to do before then but I cannot wait to go.  We have started the process of booking our attractions when we visit London and Paris. London Eye? Check. Cruise down the Seine in Paris? Check.  Every time that I book something, I get even more excited.  Up next, the Eiffel Tower!

• We officially saw the first scorpion in our house which only means one thing...summer is coming fast (and that I need to call the exterminator again). We really didn't have much of a winter (sorry East Coasters...it's true) and have already had 90 degree days.  We're in for a long one.

And that's what we have been up to in a nut shell.  Until next time.....

M

PBR

As many of you know, I am one of the biggest fans of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders, not the beverage).  Jake and I have been to the World Finals in Vegas and to Vegas last May for one of their events at Mandalay Bay.  Needless to say, if they're in Phoenix or close by, I'm at the arena for all events.  I love it and it is truly my guilty pleasure.  Fingers crossed that the hockey schedule allows us to go to the World Finals again this October in Vegas!

2014 PBR - Phoenix

It's amazing to me what true athletes these bull riders are and what they go through for a mere 8 seconds in hopes to be the best in the world and to win millions.  To ride an animal that is completely unpredictable is mind blowing to me and I am truly fascinated by the sport.

The top 15 riders from the event on Championship Sunday.

J.B. Mauney (for those of you not familiar with the sport, he won the World Finals title last year) won the two day event in Phoenix.  He had three qualified rides (stayed on for 8 seconds per ride) but had some fierce competition from some of the younger guys and Canadians.  Bushwacker (top ranked bull in the world) also made his final appearance as he will be retiring from the sport after this year.

My favorite part of the show....the opening "ceremonies."

The infamous World Champion bull, Bushwacker.

M

Furry Kids

Today I found out that it is National Love Your Pet Day! I must admit, my two little furries are definitely like my kids.  In fact, I call them my practice children for whenever that day comes (no, not there yet....settle down Mom).  It's amazing how much joy these two brought to our lives.  We loved Vinny, our first child, so much we got our little girl Maci.  I'm totally that Pet Parent that posts 823540235 pictures of their dogs, but hey, who wouldn't with those sweet little faces?

M

King George and the Globetrotters

Jakub and I went to see George Strait in his farewell tour on Friday night.  He was FAN-tastic! He played 33 songs (you read that right, 33) and was amazing to see live.  The only disappointment is that he didn't play our wedding song but I guess he had to pick and choose over a 33 year career.  What a legend and is appropriately named King George! Martina McBride opened for him and was just as great.  She played for well over an hour.  It was definitely something to check off the bucket list.

On Saturday, the Globetrotters were in Phoenix and the employees always attend at least one game.  It is amazing how they make me laugh every show and I enjoy it time and time again.

M

Goodbye Bu

Saturday was a bittersweet day for me. We traded in my very first car for a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. While it was long overdue, it was sad to let her go. Bu and I had 8 great years together; I graduated college, started a new job in Phoenix, and even drove her across country. 

On a happier note, we have a brand new SUV! It definitely have more bells and whistles than we could ever imagine.  Jakub and I feel like we negotiated well and got what we both like.  Let me just say that I am so happy this process is over.  Car shopping is exhausting!

M