I'm Running A Marathon... oh my!

I took up running years ago, while I was on the track & field team in high school, I wouldn’t say I was a runner, I was part of the shot put and disc section of the team and I only ran when the coaches “made” us. But when I started running in my adult years, I found a sense of stress relief, freedom and strength during sucky times. For probably the last 8 years or so I’ve had completing a full marathon on my bucket list but never really thought I would pursue it or be so determined to accomplish a physically grueling task such as the one I am currently in.

The longest run I’ve ever completed was a couple half marathons and the last one being the Buffalo Half and that was in 2017 or 2018 I believe. Last November, I saw a friend post that she completed the NYC Marathon, and it sparked some sort of courage and inspiration in me to do more research into how I could participate in the race in 2023 knowing I wouldn’t qualify on time (haha). Doing my due diligence, I saw that you can participate with organizations that are approved by the NYRR so I did just that. In early March I was able to put in my request to participate with the Shoe4Africa organization and they accepted me. I immediately had an oh shit! I can’t believe I’m doing this moment but also had an oh shit! I’m excited as heck to be able to do this moment.

I’m currently in an 18-week training program and have been reaching out to friends, and acquaintances who have run marathon’s asking them for any and all feedback. NYC is one of my favorite cities so to be able to run my first full marathon in a city that I never get sick of is exciting, but also nerve wrecking. Sometimes I have moments where I feel like I’m in over my head and self-doubt comes in to play, but I’m trying to push those negative thoughts out and embrace the unknown. This past year was pretty stressful in a lot of ways that made me feel like I didn’t have control of my life at times which then made my anxiety spark to new levels. The lack of confidence and belief in myself has also been at a low point but what I’m learning from this process is that I am stronger than I think I am, and other people don’t define who I am, I do. While running is very physical the mental component is just as important to be strong in.

I know I’m going to have A LOT more moments on this journey which will be good, bad, easy, tough and all the in-between and through it all I’m trying to be as present as possible and embracing it all and remembering the inspiration that sparked me to pursue this. Continue to follow me on social media to see my updates on progress and to learn more about my favorite running spots in town and the local businesses who are helping me on my journey.

And finally, a plug to support Shoe4Africa, the amazing organization that I’m running for. With your support the organization is building a hospital for kids with cancer in Africa - the first to the East & Central region of Africa. Help make a difference in their lives and help me cross the finish line. My fundraising goal is $3,000 and I’m about 20% there. Learn more about the organization and donate to my page here: Beth Potozniak – Shoe4Africa

We can all do hard things, embrace it.

xo

Beth

The Inventive Team Behind The Social Media at PSE

This months feature is one I’m really excited to share because it’s highlighting a group of creative, talented people who run the social media content and strategy for Pegula Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PSE). While some may think running social media is a piece of cake there is a lot of work and time behind the scenes in creating the content that is published. Having a great team that works together is what makes this team and PSE stand out from the crowd.

Learn more about the team below.

Who makes up the social media and content team at PSE?

• Anna Stolzenburg – Director of Social Media Strategy and Content// Media & Content

• Zach Specht - Manager of Social Media

• Kelsey Sweet – Senior Social Media Editor

• Alexi Spector - Senior Social Media Editor

• Jami Cohen - Media & Content Coordinator

• Allie Napoli - Social Media Editor

photo courtesy of PSE Social team

What is your favorite part of your job?

Anna: The people. In social media, we get to work with so many different departments and individuals, and getting to know so many across our companies makes every day different in a great way.

Kelsey: Aside from working with our team and others in our company, getting to know our players as people and getting to show that side of them to our fans.

Alexi: I get to come to work every day and provide content about something I love and am passionate about – hockey!

Zach: Any time that we collaborate with our Community Relations team amazes me. I’ve been privileged to be around for some very special moments throughout the last few seasons and it always inspires me how people in less fortunate situations always see the best in every opportunity.

photo courtesy of PSE Social team

As a team what would you say is your most memorable moment & why?

The NFL Draft is an event that our whole crew gets to join forces on, and every year it’s a really fun, collaborative experience. The three long days almost become a professional bonding experience – and it helps that the One Bills Drive spread is complete with ten different types of M&Ms and all the snacks you could ever want.

In general though, making memories and covering impactful moments in Buffalo sports history is a thrill for our team always!

Individually, what is your most memorable moment of your job & why?

Anna: Being in Miami, outside the locker room, hearing the roar of the team when the Bengals won and the Bills playoff drought was over was an incredible moment. It was New Years Eve, and the plane ride after was a blast. Then arriving at the airport to thousands of fans on a freezing cold night was the cheery on top of an experience I’ll never forget.

Kelsey: Most recently, when we beat the Colts this year in the Wild Card round. That game was a rollercoaster of emotions, but getting to hit send on the win graphics at that game had me basically in tears. Anna can confirm.

Alexi: I think the most memorable moment of my job was more of an experience – going to Sweden to cover the team for the NHL Global Series was incredible!

Zach: Although we have had some amazing moments together like breaking the 18 year playoff drought and winning the AFC East for the first time in 25 years, I have to pick the 2017 Snow Bowl against the Colts. There are some pretty iconic photos from that game and despite being Buffalo born and raised, I have never seen lake effect move that quickly!

What is one thing you've learned about yourself from being in your role at PSE?

Anna: I’ve learned so much, especially having been here for eight years, but if I had to pick one thing I’d say I’ve learned that sports can transcend the field and transform a community, and that I feel most purposeful working on projects that do just that.

Kelsey: Passions can be matched with a career. Some days it feels like work, but most days it honestly doesn’t. I love what I get to do each day and who I get to do it with!

Alexi: I think I’ve learned more about where my strengths lie and where I can work on things. Having a team to collaborate with provides opportunities for us to shine in our strengths, but learn from each other when it comes to things I don’t know as much about!

Zach: Although the unpredictability of this job keeps us guessing, I enjoy being challenged to create content and anticipate different trends that are happening on social media. Despite many challenges throughout our COVID world, I think one thing I’ve learned during this past season is how important it is to intentionally recharge. Take the 20 minute walk outside and go grab your coffee, you’ll feel refreshed and ultimately be more productive.

photo courtesy of PSE Social team

What is one thing you've learned about each other during your time at PSE?

Anna: I’ve learned that even though we’re all in the same field, we each have different styles and that’s what makes us work together so well.

Kelsey: How well we work together as a team and play to each other’s strengths. I’m grateful to work with people that I genuinely enjoy spending time with not only as co-workers, but as friends.

Alexi: I’ve learned so much about working in the big picture as a team!

Zach: I think my favorite attribute that I’ve noticed about our social team is selflessness. No matter the game or event, we truly always pull together and have a content first mindset that allows everyone to work to their strengths.

photo courtesy of PSE Social team

Can you explain how as a team you take an idea and put it into action? Are their brainstorming sessions as to what type of content to put out there and how? Do other departments get involved in the social media strategy and content? Do you ever work with other teams on collaborations or ideas? How as a team, do you work through any differences on ideas, if there are any?

We absolutely couldn’t survive without our brainstorm sessions that later evolve into a finished product. We very much believe that the thought power of the group is greater than the individual, and we have often turned a random thought into great social media. Depending on the project, we brainstorm with our videographers, content team, graphic designers or anyone else who might end up being involved, so we’re all on the same page. Differences in ideas happen, but we always try to reflect on what the fan would want most, and what the goals of our dept./organization are, and let those guide us to a compromise.

How would each of you describe each other to others?

Anna: Kelsey brings enthusiasm and passion. Alexi brings organization and focus. Zach brings energy and an ability to get along with everyone.

Kelsey: Anna is hard-working, thoughtful, and sincere. Alexi is a go getter, strong, and kind. Zach is high energy (highly caffeinated always), funny, and supportive.

Alexi: Anna - Driven, supportive, confident and an awesome boss! Kelsey - Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and always ready to jump in where help and guidance are needed! Zach - Energized, creative; I love to go to Zach for outside-of-the-box ideas for the Sabres!

Zach: Anna- is the steady force that keeps us mindful of the goal if (and usually when) we get off topic. Alexi- the elite planner. I haven’t helped out with Sabres social where everything hasn’t been planned out. Kelsey- always brings the energy. To quote her “she’s LIT”

What is one thing you'd like the general public to know about your job? Something that people may think they know but they don't.

Anna: A lot of thought, time and effort goes into crafting any given social post. Hitting send is 1% of the work.

Kelsey: We read the comments, haha. But seriously, there’s so much that goes into what we do, it’s not just “sending tweets,” even though I joke and say that sometimes. There’s so much time and thought that goes into curating the content we push out on a daily basis to best engage with our fans. We do it for them and we work dang hard at that!

Alexi: We read the comments, but don’t set the lineups.

Zach: Having a personal brand/presence on social media is different than contributing to a brand.

What do you love about Buffalo/WNY?

Anna: This is cliché, but it’s absolutely the people – their resilience, friendliness, warmth, camaraderie. It’s something people who aren’t from Buffalo can’t understand until they’ve experienced it.

Kelsey: I always half joke with people when they move here that they’re going to “catch the Buffalo bug,” but it’s SO true. There’s just something about this city that pulls you in. I think moving away made me more grateful for it. But especially in recent years, and in the pandemic, it’s been really cool to see Buffalo on the rise and how we’ve come together. And the amazing summers make the gray winters worth it. 😊

Alexi: I love the summertime in Buffalo! There’s nothing better than seeing everyone outside enjoying the summer after a long winter – it seems to bring the city together.

Zach: I’m stuck choosing between the people and the food. Despite being a mid-sized city, the culinary scene in Buffalo is much more diverse than people would think at face value.

If you had to choose, what would you say is your superpower as a team and individually?

Anna: As a team and individual – shapeshifting, being able to go between brands in an instant and provide valuable input.

Kelsey: I’d say either staying hip with things, or being able to jump between brands and roles when needed!

Alexi: Hmmm…as a team, maybe collaboration? Individually, maybe organization.

Zach: Mind reading. I can’t count how many times two people within our group have had the same caption idea for a photo or video.

What do you think makes your team so strong and special?

Anna: We are so fortunate to work with a group that enjoys each other’s company, inside and outside of work. In this job, you often have to miss personal activities and make sacrifices of your time that wouldn’t happen in a typical professional setting, but time spent with our crew is time genuinely enjoyed, and that makes such a difference in our experiences but also in our output on the job.

Kelsey: I feel like I’ve already said this 87 times in my answers, but seriously our bond just as people at the roots of who we are makes all the difference in making as strong as a team. We are just having fun at the end of the day, and that makes it so so special.

Alexi: How our strengths all lie in different and unique areas, and how we’re able to use them effectively to help each other!

Zach: I can’t overcommunicate how fortunate it is to be friends with your coworkers. We are all passionate about our careers but caring for one another will always be first and that makes the long hours during the season worth it.

My Buffalo Cryo Experience

A few days ago I paid a visit to Buffalo Cryo to try out the cryotherapy technology. Having read and heard about the advantages (see the full list here) of cryotherapy I thought I would experience it for myself and see if the affects really do pay off.

Ready for this!

Dr. Jake talking to me about what is happening to my body during the session

Walking in, it was super easy, friendly and quick. Being my first session, Dr. Jake and Pat (owners) explained each step with me in full detail and really made the process fun and educational. Before heading in the cryosauna Dr. Jake took my temperature (walking in at 86 degrees) you want to see it drop by at least 20 degrees by then end of the three minutes.

While in the chamber Dr. Jake talks to you about all the benefits, what you should be feeling and if anything feels just not right, you let him know. At one point I remember being so cold and he told be that I could march in place and that helped to keep the blood flowing.

Look at that face (happy with that temperature drop)

Once exiting the cryosauna, he took my temperature again and it was at 41 degrees, which was great. Before hoping on the bike to get my blood flowing again, he did a complimentary cryo facial on me (thank you!!) which has all those benefits of the whole body session, but just to your face.

Over the course of the last few days I’ve noticed the areas where I have had a lot of tension, have eased up, my performance at spin class and running the last two days has been better and I’ve had more energy. It is suggested that you do a session every 7-0 days and you should usually schedule it for after your peak workout session. I’m looking forward to going back.

Some helpful facts to know:

• Your first session is only $25

• On Thursdays you can bring a friend and receive 50% off treatments (heck yes!)

• They offer kombucha from Snowy Owl post sessions

• They are located in the Creamery building on Scott St. and have customer parking in the lot located next to the building.

• The whole process only took about 20 minutes which is great for those who have busy schedules and need to get in and out (I went on the lunch hour)

• Wear loose clothing for post session warm up

And lastly, a very special thank you to my friend K. Sweet for documenting my experience for me. Love you girl!

-B

To see video from my session - check it out on my Insta story - @bybuffalob

More fun wintertime activities

Guys, today on my feature for fun wintertime activities I'm talking about some places I have mentioned before, but all offer great activities to get you through this winter slump. 

throwing it back to 2017 when me and my friends from work took a trip to the zoo 

The first is the Buffalo Zoo. Continuing with embracing the winter in Western New York, head to the zoo during February for Polar Bear Days where admission is only $5 and parking is free. Enjoy the beautiful animals as they embrace the winter season. I love the Zoo year round, but if you hate going in the summer when its crowded this is the perfect time to go.

You can stop by exhibits {indoor and out} and see the animals up close without dealing with all the people. Make sure to check out the Maned Wolf, I heard there's a pretty cool blogger who sponsors that exhibit {lol}.

Next up on my list is fishing, not ice fishing, but the real, fun fishing with Ryan from Brookdog Fishing Co. Check out his website to get more info, but trust me, its a once in a lifetime experience. You can also check out my past posts too {Nov. 2017, Fishing in the Lower River & July 2017, My newest adventure with Brookdoh Fishing Co.} 

this photo was from my trip with Ryan back in November, you have such a good time that the cold weather becomes secondary. 

Lastly is the fun village of Ellicottville. Of course Holiday Valley offers tubing, skiing, snowboarding and much more, but the heart of village has a variety of different shops, coffee houses and pubs that make it a special place to visit and embrace the winter in the heart of "ski country."

learn to snowboard at Holiday Valley 

I could sit here and list a dozen more things to do from spending a day at the Aquarium in Niagara Falls, NY to learning about science at the Science Museum, or visiting your local library and finding some good books to read on those days school is cancelled or during Presidents Day week. Or go on a distillery or brewery tour, there are so many in town now, that you could make a day of it with your friends. Whatever you decide to do with the rest of this winter season, just embrace each day and all it offers because each day is about creating new memories with those you love. 

-B

Embrace the Winter with Fun Classes from Skate Great, Inc.

Learn to skate at Canalside with Skate Great! 

Continuing with the fun wintertime activities, last week I sat down with Jessica from Skate Great, Inc.  .  I have ice skated a couple times in my life, but I am not good and pretty much have to hang on to the side of the rink so I don't fall. In an effort to share more of my "adventures" with you, I got out on the ice last week at Canalside for a hot minute {if you follow me on Instagram you can check out my insta-story video for the next 24 hours to see how bad I am}. 

Over the next few weeks learning to skate with Skate Great is on my to-do list. Let's face it, if we have to deal with the winter, I want to embrace the fun activities that go along with it. 

In the meantime learn more about Jess and Skate Great, Inc. below ---->

Celebrating 20 years in Western New York, Skate Great is the largest learn to skate program in the area. Offering a number of programs from learning to skate, hockey skills to baby blades and intro to dance, there is something for everyone. 

Jess from Skate Great, Inc. 

Jessica took over ownership of Skate Great six years ago, after the former owner, Janice passed away. Jess started in competitive figure skating and continued to coach in College. Since she has taken over the business, it has grown. Offering programs year round at Holiday Twin Rinks and Leisure Rinks, Skate Great also offers seasonal programs at Canalside, East Aurora and Hamburg. 

When I asked Jess what her favorite thing about owning a business is, she said she loves teaching beginners and loves seeing people who want to learn and want to skate, the emotions and hard work is special. It's not only personal for Jess, but for every coach that is on the Skate Great team. They are loyal and emotionally attached to the work they do.

When I asked Jess what her favorite thing about Buffalo is, she said the people. Everybody knows someone, but you still get to meet new people. Buffalo's tough and you only find that in WNY. 

So if yo're looking for something fun to do, Skate Great offers a number of different programs for all ages, check out their website {HERE} to learn more about their programs and pricing. If you have a question, Jess will always respond, so embrace the wintertime and enjoy some fun activities! 

-B

Embrace the Chill

Curling 

Crew...

When I hosted my blog party last month I had a jar on the counter for guests to write down blog post ideas they'd like me to cover. Moving into the next phase of Just a Blonde in Buffalo, I want to focus more on sharing my experiences with you. I think it reflects where and what is going on in my life to a certain degree. 

I received a number of notes that said they'd like me to feature things to do in WNY during the winter time. Let's face it winter can be very depressing, with the cold, snow and lack of sunlight it can put a damper on things. If you're one that loves winter because you ski, snowboard or whatever it may be, that's great, but I think you are a rare breed and myself and probably others are jealous of you for that. 

Chris teaching me

In an effort to show those who may not necessarily like winter that it can be fun, I've attempted {I say attempt because I am no pro at the activities I'm about to post} a handful of fun wintertime things you, your family and friends can partake in. {Note that what I post this week, not all of these activities are outdoors}. 

Any who, today I'm featuring CURLING! I've never curled before, I don't know how it started or why, but I will tell you I had so many laughs and I still have some bruises {totally worth it}. This activity was a lot of fun and pretty much anyone can do it. 

Chris showing us the ropes 

Thanks to my friends over at Canalside - Todd, Mike and Erin participated in my "adventure" with me. Are curling instructor for the day was Chris and he started off demonstrating the proper ways to push off the block and slide the stones on the ice. He then showed us the right way to sweep the ice with the curling broom. 

From there we were ready to compete {everything turns out to be a competition with me}. It was the guys vs. the gals. The first few times I "took off" from the foot block was hysterically embarrassing. My stone didn't even make it to center ice, it wasn't until the 3rd or 4th try that I got the hang of it, needless to say I think everyone got a few good laughs in.

Look at that face... first time curling 

Thanks to Erin sweeping the ice and then accidentally falling over one, she was able to knock out the guys stone and we were on the target - that was how we got our 1 and only point and how we took the lead. We went back and forth for a few more rounds and how it ended - the guys won.  

Girls on the target 

SO here are the details if you  want to Curl at Canalside. 

1. Visit Canalside Buffalo's website to reserve your spot - Click here and it will take you directly to the Curling page
2. Sign the waiver before you arrive - this saves you time and give you more time on the ice 
3. Minimum amount of people is 4, max is 10 people per lane
4. Curling is 1 hour long 
5. Pricing during the week is $10 per person. Weekends {beginning 5 p.m. Friday} and Holidays is $15 per person 
6. Make sure to visit Canalside's website and social media to find out their hours of operation 

I honestly had so much fun, laughed a lot and didn't even think about the cold and dreary weather. Once you're done curling you can visit the warm Winter Lodge for beverages { alcohol and non-alcoholic} and snacks. 

-B

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!! Even though I'm not there to celebrate opening day in Buffalo, I'm reppin' my spirit in Poland. Its a great time to come down to Coca-Cola Field and celebrate everything the Buffalo Bisons Organization is doing this spring and summer.  Make sure to celebrate with us as we celebrate this wonderful season.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Bills Training Camp

 

With the first Bill's pre-season game this Saturday, I thought it was only fitting to post my day trip  to Bills Training Camp yesterday with my friend Kelsey {a fellow Bills fan as well}. We headed out to the 10am practice and it was quite nice, not only were we rolling "VIP" with passes in the hospitality tent {thanks to our friend Nick}, but we were also able to snag some selfies with the players too.

Overall practice was HOT and fun to watch. Being at camp makes me want football season here. Only a few more weeks! In the meantime here is the schedule for the rest of training camp in case you want to head out to SJF.

{morning views from the hospitality tent}

Until next time!

-B

{Photos - Just a Blonde in Buffalo pics}

{let's practice}

{let's play some football}

{Cardale Jones}

{Jerry Hughes!}

Friday Finds!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{the Grove Juice Truck is by far one of my favorite food trucks in the area!}

{Flying kites and hanging out with some of the best local businesses on Sunday was a highlight from this past week}

{Yoga night success, a beautiful view of the diamond under the lights}

{unique and pretty cool artwork inside the silos from Silo City}

{I'm ready to work - inside a tour of Ralph Wilson Stadium this past week}

Buffalo Marathon

{Buffalo Marathon prep}

Sunday morning 7,500+ people took to the streets of Buffalo to run either 26.2 or 13.1 miles. The course took you through all parts of town and the community came out to show their support. People lined the streets to cheer for loved ones and complete strangers. This was my second half marathon and my first time doing the Buffalo Marathon and doing it by myself. It was an experience and words honestly can't describe how I feel. The support and encouragement from complete strangers and the beautiful scenery I ran through makes me love this city even more. To everyone involved in the race, thank you for creating an event that I will always remember.

-B

{Lined up and ready for the start}

{Post race}

{My number one fan - My Dad}

{Mission accomplished!}

Sometimes You Have to Just Let Go & See What Happens

It's the 30th of the month and the last day of my 30 favorite things around town post. Today, I'm talking about my job. When I made the jump from non-profit back to the for profit world I was very unsure if I would succeed or do as well as I did in the non-profit world. I realized though, you only get one shot sometimes and I didn't want to live my life thinking "what if." The decision of leaving non-profit and accepting a position with the Bisons is one that I am thankful for each day. In the almost two years of working there I have learned so much and have been given many opportunities that I may not have had if I didn't just let go and see what would happen. Sometimes its just takes you going outside of your comfort zone to see what you're really made of. Happy Monday!

-B

Shout!

Up on the blog today, favorite thing # 5 that I love about WNY…the Buffalo Bills. That’s really not a surprise, but I’ve come to enjoy Sunday home games at the Ralph even more now because its father/daughter time with my Dad. While the games may not always be enjoyable to watch, having great company makes up for it. I'm looking forward to this coming season to see what the boys will do!

-B

#Itsjustfun My Ellicottville Day Trip!

This past Monday my friend, Annette and I took the day off and decided to make a day full of fun in Ellicottville. We knew we were going to grab brunch at Katy's before heading to Holiday Valley to try out the ski boards. As we got closer to the date, we decided on either doing cross country skiing or tubing to save a couple bucks {because I'm "living on a budget" more now a days}.

{I love these coffee mugs at Katy's}

When we arrived in Ellicottville it was a little later than planned {this was my fault because I arrived late to Annette's house}. Katy's only serves breakfast until noon {note to self if you plan on doing the same thing}. So we grabbed lunch which was pretty good {I had the Firecracker Panini and Annette had the Tannenbaum Panini} and then decided to go to tubing.

{Holiday Valley Tubing - Open Thursday thru Sunday}

We went down the street {because Holiday Valley tubing isn't located on the main resort that the skiing and snowboarding is on}. When we arrived, the parking lot was plowed, but no one {I mean NO ONE} was there. To our surprise they are closed Monday thru Wednesday. Yes, I say to our surprise because I assumed it was open the same hours as the main resort is {don't ever assume}. So we decided to head to the main lodge and get an adult beverage and then decide if we wanted to hit the slopes. When we arrived, the bar was closed {we literally laughed out loud at this point}. We then decided to just head back in to town and grab some drinks at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company}.

{Some of the slopes}

{The view was so pretty}

{Beer flights at EBC! I found some new beers I like beside my go to Blueberry Wheat}

While the day didn't go as we planned, we still made the best of it and had a fun day off { #itsjustfun - Holiday Valley's tagline}.

As much as I dislike and never really post anything negative about places I go on my blog, I am always honest with what I share and share my opinion, so here it goes... I love Holiday Valley, I think its a great place to go, but I do think that their website is a bit confusing and isn't as "straightforward" as it could be. I feel like it takes multiple clicks and pages to get to the information you are looking for.

I will also say, it seems {comparing to my last year's snowboarding experience} that weekends and nights are their busiest time, so instead of having coupons geared for more of the Canadian clientele or offering coupons for your peak hours, why not offer coupons or discounts for those "off peak" hours. There wasn't nearly as many people on a Monday afternoon as compared to a weekend.

I understand Holiday Valley is ranked in the top 10 for best resorts in the East, but for those people on a budget and not as experienced in skiing or snowboarding {like me}, it can be expensive and steer people away. While are plans for a adventure packed Monday didn't go as we had planned, we still made the best of it and have new memories we made.

Until next time.

-B

Bills Game Thoughts #...3

I've said it before, but Monday's are always better when the Buffalo Bills win! I know this past season I've shared my thoughts on games that happened earlier in the season, today is no different. Yesterday's game brought excitement, fun and some observations that I thought I would write about.

1. Half of the arguments or attempts to fight each other by fans come from girls starting trouble. Yes, I just said that. There is always that one {or two} girls that come to the game with a group of their friends or with their boyfriend and have enough drinks in them to act or say something that starts trouble. Which brings me to my second observation...

2. Nothing good comes when people drink to much! Don't get me wrong I love football and I love attending the games, but yesterday's first half took forever! And with that fans had more time to grab some more beers and make more "great" decisions.

3. We won! So why were people racing to pull out of the parking lots and cut people off? Don't get me wrong after every game there are always some people that drive not so great, but more than usual, yesterday brought out the worst in fans as they left the stadium by car.

I feel like you may think I'm a stick in the mud and being a little "negative Nancy," but these are my observations. I do enjoy the games... A LOT, I just think that people get lost in all the hype and build up that surrounds football games and they forget to act like responsible adults.

Until tomorrow...

-B

A Memorable Gameday Experience

{My Dad and I on the field post Bills game}

My Dad and I have been going to Bills games for quite some time now, its nice "father/daughter time," so after this past Sunday's game we had the opportunity to head on the field. While I thought it wasn't going to be as exciting as pre-game passes would be, it was a lot of fun! The loss to Kansas City put a "little" damper on the day, but we made best of the situation and the experience. We got to take pictures, run around the field and throw the football around. The Bills staff were friendly, personable and fun which made it more enjoyable. It was definitely a memory that will stay with me through the years. Below are a few of the photos I captured.

Go Bills! And SQUISH THE FISH tonight!

-B

{Yes, I had to take a selfie on the field}

A Reflection... #OneBuffalo

It started off with a huge celebration, the Pegula Family, introduced by Chris Berman on the big screens at the Ralph, chants, signs saying One Buffalo, Johnny Rzeznik performing the National Anthem to us looking pretty good in the beginning of the game. Then it happened, the horrible officiating started to take place {to the point where it looked like they didn't even know what penalties they were calling on}, to the horrible Brady who wouldn't even give a high five to the half time little league team playing on the field {really is a high five gonna hurt you Brady}, all to Gronkowski crying that he got "hurt."

With the lack of patience fans were having with the NFL Officials {I don't even know if I should call them that} the game day staff wasn't any better, we had event staff walk up and down are section at least 6 or 7 times before they decided to kick a fan out for being rude during almost the whole game. It really takes you that many times to decide whether or not this person should go?!? Oh and let me not forget to mention the lady who maybe watched a total of 10 minutes of the whole game. Instead she felt that getting food and drink and walking around aimlessly was the way to go. I think she would have been better off staying at her tailgate or hosting a party at her home, it probably would have saved her a few dollars.

I know I sound harsh, don't get me wrong I do enjoy {very much} going to the games with my Dad. And I must say I am lucky we sit next to some awesome people, but I feel the need to voice my opinion on what I observe each week. Yes, I know its an NFL game, but am I wrong to ask where people's common sense has gone. As fans we build up this "hype" that we have to do x, y and z and isn't the real reason we're all there to watch a football game?

Until next time! Go Bills!

-B  

Bills game, National Anthem 10.12.14 

{Click above to watch my video of the end of the National Anthem performed by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls}

{I'm not the only one who thought the officiating was bad}

{Breast Cancer Survivors took the field during the end of the 3rd quarter}

{Follow me on Instagram for more photos I took from the game. My handle is bybuffalob}

Leaving a Legacy

As I'm writing this post I still have goosebumps from the Buffalo Bills win against the Detroit Lions. What a game! Every game is important to win, but A LOT was on the line for Buffalo. 1. This was the last game where the Buffalo Bills are owned by the Wilson family. 2. Winning this game keeps us first in line in the AFC. 3. Whenever there is a quarterback change as fans you always wonder how it will end...in our favor or not.

While play calling was iffy at times, the team came together till the very end to lead their fans in a nail bitter winning game. I can only imagine what Mary Wilson and the rest of the Wilson family were thinking as they watched on. Ralph Wilson has done so much for the Buffalo Community, not only by owning the Buffalo Bills, but by leaving billions of dollars to go to local charities in this community. He was a man that was smart, passionate, positive and influential. A role model. And I can only hope that others follow in his footsteps.

Sunday marked an end of the Wilson era, but their legacy will last forever in the hearts and minds of Bills fans everywhere.

Until next week! Go Bills!!!

-B

Buffalo Bills Fans - Just a Blonde in Buffalo

{ click above - I captured this video of fans at Bada Bing after we won the game. #Buffalove }

{ My NFL Style - Buffalo Bills, Just a Blonde in Buffalo }

{ My friend Lacey taking selfies post win, check out her blog #forty74 forty74.com }

{ The girls! Go Bills }

Observing Fans...

Monday's are always not that great, but they especially stink after a Bills loss. While there were some highlights to Sunday's game {specifically, Lee Evans leading the charge} there are some things I observed at the game and am now voicing my opinion on....brace yourself.  Let me mention I've noticed these following things multiple times before.

1. Fans that wear jerseys of teams not playing { i.e; wearing a Patriots jersey to a Bills vs. Chargers game}. Don't get me wrong I'm all for fans showing their pride for the teams they like, but I've never understood why people do this.

2. The fans who constantly get up from their seats 20 million times {yes I'm exaggerating, sort of} during the game. The whole point of you being at the game is to watch and cheer on your team, not to go back and forth from your seat to the concourse.

3. The annoying and sometimes ignorant {yes I said it} fans who meet up with friends and squeeze multiple people into 3 seats and aren't considerate of others around them. I'm all for meeting up and saying hi to your friends, but never understood cramming a bunch of people all together. If you're going to the game together and don't want to be separated then get seats ALL TOGETHER! Yes, I understand based on availability that may not always be an option, but then plan to meet during certain times during the game somewhere.

4. I'm all about pride and cheering on your team, but when one or two plays don't go the way you want and fans start screaming ridiculous things, well to me it gets a little annoying. As a fan I want my team to get the big win just as much as you, but  do people think screaming things that don't make sense out during a game will make it better?

Maybe I'm being to harsh or crazy, but those are my 4 pet peeves at a football games. What are some of your pet peeves?

Go Bills!

-B

A Magical Day

{Photo taken from Buffalo Bills Instagram}

The past week has been great for the Buffalo Bills Organization and Community. A new owner {The Pegulas}, the team is 2-0 and Jim Kelly is cancer free.  But yesterday was magical.  The home opener not only celebrated Mr. Ralph C. Wilson's legacy, but reminded us all of what he did for this community.

Clips were shown before and throughout the game of players and coaches, past and present speaking of their memories of Mr. Wilson. Pre-game ceremonies also honored Mrs. Mary Wilson with the Wall of Fame Ring and the unveiling of his name forever in gold on the wall. He took a chance on Buffalo and will be missed by many, but forever cherished for a life well lived.

I'm lucky to be able to go to the games and cheer on the team at home, but the most important opportunity I have is that I get to spend time with my Father. In this day and age its hard to see and spend as much time as you want with the ones you love and I'm thankful and lucky that I can spend an entire Sunday with him throughout the football season.

Until next week, go Bills!

-B

Buffalo Bills Training Camp

The first home Buffalo Bills preseason game is taking place this Saturday at the Ralph. Last week Lauren and I went on our annual trip to training camp at St. John Fisher College. The day was perfect, nice weather, sno cones, photos and a little football. Camp is nice because you can purchase any Bills merchandise you may want before the season at the store on campus, they have a play area for kids to run around and participate in activities and you have the opportunity to interact and see the players on a much closer scale. Being at camp makes me look forward to the start of football season which is less than a month away! Go Bills!

There are still a few more practices you can catch. Check the schedule here.

-B