Posts Tagged With: baseball

favorite things 11.11.21

Posted on November 11, 2021 by robynbird

Time for a game of favorites.
Y’all wanna play?

What’s your:

favorite ethnic food
Afghan food – specifically this little hole in the wall called Kabul Kabab House in Bristow

favorite hiding spot when you need time alone
When I was a little girl, it was high up in the branches of the maple tree in our front yard.
As a grown up girl, it’s in my car.

favorite type of bird

favorite boss
Dr Jeff – I ran his chiropractic practice and he paid me peanuts, but he made me laugh.

favorite childhood movie
The Scarecrow is still my favorite!

favorite magazine to read
depending on my mood it’s either the The Atlantic or Southern Living

favorite thing about summer
being at the ballpark

music venue
This is a no-win tie between two great DC venues: The Lincoln Theatre and The Anthem

casual wear
a sweater, jeans, and boots

pizzeria
Tony’s in Bristow – their lasagna pizza is my all time favorite
(lasagna ingredients: seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, on pizza instead of with noodles)

What about y’all?
What are your favorites?

Categories: me | Tags: ballpark, baseball, fall fashion, favorite, favorite things, pizza, robin bird, robin birds, robins, Southern Living, The Anthem, The Atlantic, The Lincoln Theatre, The Wizard of Oz, Washington Nationals, what's your favorite | 2 Comments

10.24.18

Posted on October 24, 2018 by robynbird

Nine years ago today I started dating my husband.
Three years ago today I married him.

We dated for months via email, text, and phone conversations. The first time we occupied the same physical space, he told me, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
I made a split second decision to trust him. I believe it’s one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

We have, and continue to do the work it takes to create our best possible life together.
We have moments when we strike out.
We have moments when we knock it out of the park.
Our average is good. Our OBP is even better.
We may not be World Series contenders, but we own our division. And really, I’m not sure I want us to be so successful we’re winning the World Series. I want us to keep practicing and working, and enjoying the game. I don’t want us to don those big ass rings and rest on our laurels.

OK, this went a direction I didn’t intend…

Here’s what’s up.
No matter how we struggle, we’re struggling together.
No matter how we succeed, we’re succeeding together.
That’s why we’re good. We’re in it together.

We stand in the kitchen and shout.
We sit on the sofa and cry.
We ride in the car and laugh.

I love to kiss him.
I love to hold his hand.
I love when he makes weird faces at me for absolutely no reason.
I love when we have ridiculous conversations with each other’s reflection in the bathroom mirror.

We’re not perfect.
We are real.
I’d rather be real with YBW than perfect with anyone.

Categories: love | Tags: anniversary, baseball, life, love, marriage | 2 Comments

September gratitude

Posted on October 1, 2018 by robynbird

September was a difficult month.
That wretched therapy appointment started it off.
YBW and I spent a great deal of time focused on the lack of effort Thing G spends on being responsible for his own life.
I didn’t realize how disappointed I would be when the time came for us to be holding a new baby and there was not one to hold.

That said, there’s much to be grateful for!

Boyfriend J’s birthday.
My therapist.
Our therapist.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s production of Gloria.

All three of my alternative healthcare providers.
Fall decorations!
Amber. (She does my hair, and it looks GOOD!)
Meaningful conversations with Sally.
The sun finally showed up!
Ridiculously fun meme sharing with Sundance.
The easiest blood draw I’ve ever experienced! (my veins roll and that makes for bad times)
Double date at the art festival with M and J.
Phone calls with Jessica.
Being in the park for the last home game of the season. (Nats won 9-3!!)
Sirius XM Broadway.
Cocktails with YBW.
Sitting in the sun at the Naval Academy watching our nephew play Rugby.
Spending time with great friends-as-family in Annapolis!
Talking with my girls.
Cooler temperatures. (Only by a smitch, but I’ll take it!)
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Comedy of Errors.

Finishing a successful school term.
Did I mention the sun finally showed up?

Categories: me | Tags: accentuate the positive, autumn, baseball, fall, family and friends, grateful life, gratitude, hope, life, love, love my life, mental health, theatre | 2 Comments

#werthday

Posted on September 9, 2018 by robynbird

After a two and a half hour rain delay, the Nats beat the Cubs 10-3. YAY!
Then it was time to celebrate the Hobo!

This lady was ready to go with her sign. (autographed by Werth at some point in the past)

Patiently waiting.

Standing O!

“You go, Dan Kolko.”

Newest addition to the park.

A gift from the players for the Hobo’s retirement, presented by Ryan Zimmerman.

Retirement suits him.

Ted and Mark Lerner (father and son, they own the team) presented him with a literal ring of honor.

It looked like a tryhard world series ring. Joke’s on them because Werth has one of those. (with the Phillies in 2008)

Seriously though, it was a nice gesture, and the first of it’s kind.

Peroud, yet humble after watching vids of former teammates sending their best.

Speech!

“Harper, you’re an idiot.”

Cheers from the dugout.

The Hobo was gracious and humorous and emotional. He thanked his family, his wife and two sons, and got choked up when he thanked his momma. He reflected on his seven years as a Washington National and his 22 year career. The fans and the team were fully supportive and did not hesitate to show it! I ‘wooooooooed’ till I was hoarse!

Jayson was honored to throw the first pitch, caught by his son, Jackson.

Last standing O of his career!

Hugs for Max.

Love to his team.

I love baseball.
Even though I’ve been frustrated this season, I still love baseball. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl.
Cal Ripken, Jr was my first baseball bae. I was hooked at the age of 10. Jayson Werth became my baseball bae in 2011. Now they’re both retired, but will always have a little bit of my baseball loving heart.
Goodbye, Hobo. I’ll miss your left field shenanigans.

Thank you, and goodnight.

P.S. Nats beat the Cubs 6-5 in the post-tribute second game!
Ain’t baseball great?

Check out what MLB had to say about #werthday at Nationals Park.
http://mlb.mlb.com/r/article?ymd=20180908&content_id=293888306&vkey=news_was&c_id=was

Categories: me | Tags: #werthday, ain't baseball great, baseball, Jayson Werth, Jayson Werth Ring of Honor, Nats Park, Washington Nationals | 2 Comments

Beard! Comes! Home!

Posted on September 8, 2018 by robynbird

Baseball and I are on a break.
My Washington Nationals are a steaming hot mess this season. Not because they’re getting their asses kicked all over the NL East, but because of “restructuring” in the organization.
What that means is they’re trading guys left and right. Good guys. Guys that make legitimate contributions to the team.
Mike Rizzo is an absolute ass, and I think the Lerner family has lost their damn minds. And I just don’t like Davey Martinez in any way, shape, or form.
These people have taken an exceptional ball club and kind of kicked the shit out of it.
I’m so over it.

But I’m putting all that aside to go to the ballpark today to celebrate the Hobo!

Beard. Comes. Home.

9.8.18

🎟️ // https://t.co/BpKRNjwtsG pic.twitter.com/TfOduIxjJa

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 13, 2018

It’s Jayson Werth day at Nats Park!
He is beloved here in DC, and the fans are going nuts! Getting tickets to this game was no easy feat. But got them we did. And wild horses couldn’t keep me from cheering my baseball bae one last time!

Categories: me | Tags: baseball, beard comes home, celebrate, Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals | 1 Comment

herbs, champagne, and a tiara

Posted on May 13, 2018 by robynbird

I woke to fairly heavy rain Sunday morning. And that means these herbs sitting on the porch for nearly two weeks waiting to be planted will simply have to wait another day. We were at the garden center the day before YBW’s mom went into hospital. Our shift in focus was unexpected but necessary, and I’ve been watering the herbs each day in hopes of keeping them happy until they can move to the big containers.

These plants are lemony scented geraniums, lemon balm, lemon grass, basil, lavender, rosemary, and lemon thyme. Used together, they’re meant to deter mosquitoes.
Now if only there was something to scare off the pollen…

Thing G told me he saw on the news we’re having the worst pollen season in several years.
Y’all, I believe it. I’ve not had allergy symptoms this severe since I moved from Virginia to South Carolina twelve years ago. Even though all the furniture and rugs are set up on the porch, it’s nearly unbearable to go out there for all the oak pollen. So while I’m eager to engage in a little porch life, looks like that will wait a bit longer.

I’m hopeful the rain will take care of that today, and I’ll be able to get out there later on this week to do a little planting.
But not tomorrow, because International Week of the Birthday continues with going to see The Kills at The Lincoln Theatre.

Yesterday on my actual birthday, I had breakfast at my favorite little dump diner.
When we returned home, I put on my tiara.

Spent the day watching baseball, and drinking obscene amounts of champagne with YBW, and Meredith and Beau’s Mommy and Daddy. We ate greek food and angel food cake with berries and homemade whipped cream.
I was truly celebrated!
This Mother’s Day I’ve spoken to Thing 1 and received texts and social media posts from Thing 2. I suspect she’ll call at the end of the day like she did yesterday.
YBW and I were planning to go see Infinity War again, but it turns out I napped and woke hungry. So now, I’m going to find him and make a dinner plan.

This late spring pollen won’t be around forever, and soon I’ll get those herbs planted and be ready to porch life my ass off!
I can hardly wait!

Categories: me | Tags: #herbs, backyard oasis, baseball, birthday, cake and champagne, celebration, friendship, international week of the birthday, love, porch life, spring, Washington Nationals | Leave a comment

random “Baby Outbursts”

Posted on February 11, 2018 by robynbird

I’m having random “Baby Outbursts” all over the place.
YBW is beginning to get a kick out of tracking them. Luckily for me he’s super patient, because most of these occur in the least convenient times and place. And they look a bit like I may be having some sort of attack of palsy.

I experienced one yesterday afternoon while engaged in a text conversation with Thing 2!
We can get the bebe a load of Nats gear!

I shared that with Thing 1 in a phone call yesterday. First we oodgey-goodgey(ed), then I expressed my hope that people in Georgia wouldn’t be ‘mean’ to the bebe because he or she is a Nats fan. She laughed and said even Braves fans wouldn’t be ‘mean’ to a bebe…maybe to the parents, but she could handle that. Then we laughed again.
It’s tricky being a Nats fan in Braves territory, but she’s on top of it.
We’re idiots, but we have fun.

Another such outburst took place last night.
We went to dinner with M and J. M and YBW were fraternity brothers, and he and his precious wife are my most favorite of all YBW’s friends.
We four have a monthly date. Last night we were meant to go to this new (to us) amazing burger joint, only when we arrived, it was slam-jammed with folks and no place to sit. So we ended up at a little Mexican restaurant instead. (Even though Mexican is some of my fave food, I spent a great deal of time looking at Melt’s menu online and was more than mildly disappointed we missed out on burgers.)
It ended up OK, we enjoyed our dinner. We enjoyed each other’s company. I oodgey-goodgey(ed) about the bebe. And they joined right in on it!
We finally decided to leave the restaurant and head over to M and J’s house. YBW wanted coffee so we stopped off at the coffee shop before we got in the car. My random “Baby Outburst” happened in the coffee shop while YBW, J, and I waited for our coffees.
I realized if the bebe is a girl, I’ll be able to have things monogrammed for her!
Y’all this brought me much joy! Neither Thing 1 nor Thing 2 give a rat’s ass about their monogram. Now partly this is because they each have a repeating letter which makes a monogram look lopsided, and partly it’s because they went to high school surrounded by ‘basic white girls’ who plastered their monograms on anything that didn’t move.
And my girls are anything but basic.
While I absolutely adore my monogram, I am ‘preppy’ not ‘basic’. Because I actually lived through the 1980s. A point I’ve had to make to my girls more than once.

Anyway…
If the bebe is a girl, she too will have a repeating letter in her monogram. But I do not care. And she won’t care. She’ll be oblivious for the first few years of her life. And while we aren’t about gender norms for this bebe, I will sure as hell make sure she has something(s) with her monogram so she and I can be goofy, girlie, and oodgey-goodgey about it together!
If the bebe is a boy, well…he’ll still have something(s) monogrammed, but I suspect there will be less oodgey-goodgey(ing).

I’ll continue to have random “Baby Outbursts” because I honestly don’t think I can keep a lid on this much joy! Or perhaps when the newness wears off, I’ll just present “Baby Thoughts” in a less palsied looking way?
Stay tuned.

Categories: me | Tags: baby, baseball, basic white girl, daughters, excitement, fun, grandmother, love, monogram, new baby, outbursts, preppy, random thoughts, silly, Washington Nationals | 1 Comment

when porch life is work

Posted on August 7, 2017 by robynbird

Saturday was one of those rare gorgeous summer days. Sunny and breezy temperatures in the 80’s no humidity to speak of. Of course I took advantage of the beautiful weather by spending the day on the porch but not in the way you might think.
There was no lounging about. No day drinking. No journaling.
It was work work work!
Wanna see?

This reclaimed red oak needed a little love in the form of stain before it becomes our outdoor dining table.

Fence posts are the perfect choice for this bar height table’s legs. A coat of Sikkens is about to protect them even though they’re pressure treated.

Remember I said it was breezy? The plastic blew right over that last post…once I put down the camera, I was able to sort it and got quickly to work.

These “flaws” are what drew me to this piece of wood in the first place. I believe it makes them even more lovely.

Once I got everything finished and lined up to dry, I took a much needed break.

With a little “House Wine of the South” and my special birthday birthday Queen straws from Sundance.
But wait!
There’s something even more exciting!!
I realized that I could “have my cake and eat it too”!
I wanted to be outside in the breezy weather. But I also wanted to be in front of the TV watching the Nats game.
Oh my goodness!

To my surprise and delight, I realized I could sorta-kinda see the game and have porch life at the same time!

The table top wood was still drying Sunday afternoon, so we moved it into the house and set a fan on it. Everything else was already dry so it went back into the garage. It’s raining today, and supposedly tomorrow also, so there will be no actual construction for a few days.
I’ll keep y’all posted on the progress…right after I go shopping for chairs, and perhaps a sail cloth for shade over that part of the porch. Might need some pillows too…guess we’ll just have to see.

Categories: around the house | Tags: back porch, baseball, building, construction, house wine of the south, iced tea, porch life, reclaimed wood, red oak, Washington Nationals | 1 Comment

International Week of the Birthday ~ day seven

Posted on May 13, 2017 by robynbird

Well, my birthday night Nats game was a rain out. Postponed to create a double header for Sunday. I wasn’t even bummed! I totally expected the rain out.
But we didn’t find out till we were already on the road. It’s cool, with some quick thinking we decided on an early dinner at an Irish pub in Fairfax. I drank my fill of Harp and ate the most delicious grouper. (Not traditionally Irish I know, but good golly it was yummy!)
Headed back home in rush hour traffic in the pouring rain, made a quick stop for ice cream before coming home to open my pressie.

New (Nats) sneakers. Jammies. A book, two movies (La La Land included!) and a CD so Alan Cumming can sing me sappy songs whenever I want.

At school, the kids in the lunch room sang to me on two separate occasions. The boys in the classroom sang to me in the morning when I dropped off the cupcakes we would share that afternoon, and when we had the cupcakes! They even made me cards! Sweet boys!

I got “happy birthdayed” all over social media. Received many a text and phone call celebrating me with love. Precious Thing 1 even sang to me!
All in all, it was a great day!

For starting out slowly, and some disappointing bumps along the way, I have to say that International Week of Robynbird’s Birthday has been a success!
Most importantly, I celebrated myself!
I felt celebrated by those around me. Got to do, and eat things I love. Was able to treat myself to pretty purple toe polish, and a brand new handbag. Had to threaten to show my driver’s license to someone that didn’t believe I turned forty six. And over all just felt super-loved. Even by people who weren’t near me.

Today is the last day of IWotB and I intend to capitalize on it! That means special dinner (I’m not sure what it’ll be just yet.) and I’m thinking…angel food cake with fresh berries. Yum!
Happy Birthday to me!

Categories: me | Tags: Alan Cumming, baseball, celebrate, international week of the birthday, La La Land, love, pressie, Washington Nationals | Leave a comment

(my) first game of the season

Posted on April 20, 2017 by robynbird

Another “curly W” on the books!

Friday was my first Nationals Park game of the season. I was rocking my ‘Respect the W’ tee and my #28 Jayson Werth (the “Greasy Hobo”) jersey. I drank 3 beers, and ate Thing 2’s favorite cheesy-bacon fries.
YBW and I met this precious couple visiting from Scotland. They were at their first MLB game and we taught them loads about baseball!

Here you see The Hobo on third, Bryce Harper on first, and what looks like my beloved Ryan Zimmerman at the plate.

I almost never flip through the programs, I just put them in the bag and move along…but this day for some reason I did. And look what I found!

I love that Zim loves House of Cards!

It was a 4:00 game so the sun was on us the entire time we sat in the 230 section. But that’s OK I came out of the park unburned! I’ve never sat in this section before and was pleasantly surprised to find this view outside the ballpark.

Even though we missed getting our Daniel Murphy bobbleheads (thanks, Good Friday traffic, for making an hour drive take over two hours) we beat the Phillies. And that is always satisfying as hell! We’re going back the the park next week, and again on my birthday…until then I’m satisfied watching the guys on TV.
They kicked the crap out of the Braves last night 14-4. Bryce hit two homeruns, one was a grand slam. Zim hit a grand slam. It was beautiful to behold! Sweet baby Jesus, Freddie Freeman is the devil and I do so love seeing him get beat!
Ain’t baseball great!?!