Sarah Grant
Musings on Poker and Other Stuff
LMFAO
I have been traveling pretty consistently for the last few months on the poker circuit. One of the interesting things about sitting around a table with 25 other people who are all surfing the web is that you start sharing the funniest and biggest internet sensations from your respective countries. There have been a few gems in the last few months of my life that definitely should be shared.
Courtesy of Kristy (I think)
Courtesy of Laura
Didn't think this would be that funny but it warmed my lil heart so much!
Courtesy of my BF, this kid is UNREAL!!!
I'd love to hear what your favs are!! I wanna do this every couple months, so leave it in the comments or my facebook or my twitter is @sarahgrantpoker.
ONNIT
So a good friend of Heath and I's started a supplement company called Onnit. He sent over Heath some of their products to try. Like any good girlfriend I decided to sample some of the stuff myself. I was shocked! The first product I tried was called Alpha Brain. I had just come back from a long holiday and was tired and jet lagged, yet had tons of work to do. I popped an Alpha Brain to try to increase my energy and focus on work that day.
Boom. I worked for eight hours straight and actually enjoyed it!
Needless to say I started to do some research on the products and they are amazing. Essentially they designed a product using ingredients that most manufacturers were saying were too expensive. But lets be honest, what you are putting inside your body and mind for nurishment should not be based on the cheapest and most easily genetically modified products. I mean just look at this:
GROSS!
Using the Alpha Brain has had an additional effect on me. I dream the entire night and am slowly gaining more control of my dreaming state. It is nuts but super fun. Instead of losing eight hours, it is like i am playing for eight hours. I find it even helps me sleep. Meaning I get tired and fall asleep with ease at the end of a solid and focused day of energy.
They company offers tons more supplements including ones to help with the ick that comes after a long night of partying for me. But moreover, it is just designed for balance and mood moderation. It helps maintain calm.
Anyways, I called our buddy and asked how I could jump on board to help bring this into poker. I feel like these supplements could help poker players who want to be healthy and in tune. Instead of polluting your brain with aderoll and energy drinks...this stuff is a great alternative. So I've been talking to some poker players and getting it out there and I think that it is gaining tons of traction already. I'm gonna try to bring some samples with me to events...so hit me up if you wanna try some. And if you wanna buy some you can use Heath's code for 20% off. It is CRAZYHORSE.
Shielded from the Rays of Wrinkles
My mom was always big on sunscreen. I've been wearing it daily since I was 12. I think I went through a brief phase where I spent time outside trying to bronze my skin. But, for the most part, I have always avoided direct sun light for periods longer than 20 mins. Everyone has emphasized to me that the best beauty advice is to avoid the sun. My brain has been bumbling around the summer with visions of myself at 65 looking like a lizard.
I'm afraid now that i may have taken it too far. I worry that small children might have a similar reaction to me now that that little boy is having to that woman.
This particular stop has been a neon sign making me aware of just how white my skin has become. Somehow even after being in Mexico and the Caribbean over the last few months, I still am walking down the street like this...
I mean everyone knows vitamin D is very good for you in small doses. So, I'm making an official declaration: I will get some sun. Maybe not before Copenhagen. But I invested in some new Victoria Secret swimsuits after my awesome recent experience with purchasing bras from them.
I fully intend to use my new swimsuits to get a little sunshine on my kicks! Hopefully the results will be clear by the time Campione rolls up. One can only hope.
Top 10 Things Every Woman Should Have
This week was my first time going into Victoria's Secret, getting fitted and getting a bra that wasn't from Wal-Mart. It feels amazing. Even though I'm sure it doesn't look different on the outside, it makes me feel way sexier! It got me thinking about the little things that we splurge on, the little delicacies. The older I get, the more of these I seem to acquire. But I do think there is a difference between high maintenance and a little bit of polish. So just what are the little bits and pieces that make up a modern woman? What better than a top 10 list to explore....
Top 10 Things Every Woman Should Have (and splurge on)
1. A bra and panty set from Victoria Secret that was sized just for you.
2. A set of knives that are sharp and easy to use.
3. One Pair of casual and comfy boots. One pair of Fuck Me heels.
4. A cut and color from a fancy salon, at which point one must also buy some shampoo and conditioner.
5. A perfume that you have chosen from the many options. (I used to only have body spray from Bath and Body)
6. A classic watch.
7. A pair of jeans that fit perfect. (I still haven't found this yet.)
8. An expensive flat iron that is for your hair type.
--but do not use it in Europe or you might your fry your hair like I did
9. Some key pieces of make-up that aren't from the drug store. (liquid eyeliner, tinted moisturizer or base, make-up brushes)
10. A easy to use and cute computer.
There are some other things that I have yet to dish out the cash for but that I imagine might be a worthy investment.
-A nice jacket. Mine are all from super cheap stores or Marshalls
-A solid luggage set.
-A wedding ring. 
(I'm just saying)
-Shallacked nails
-Some actually UV protecting sunglasses
-A designer handbag
-A tablet
-A red carpet dress---When I was on the red carpet I wore my prom dress from high school
I'm pretty sure this portion of the list could go on for a very long time. One can not get classy overnight. And really if I ever was going to make an honest attempt at it, I suppose I would have to stop cussing like a sailor and learn some tact. But, baby steps.
Adventures in the Caribbean
My on camera debut came one year ago at the PCA. It was wild to go back this year and see how much things have changed. I remember last year Nick Schulman was leading the way in the Super High Roller and Kristy told me, "go grab an interview with him and ask him about being at the table with his best friend Eugene Katchalov." This was completely new to me and I didn't know who either of them were at all. I ran up, nervous and excited....the FAIL.
This year things felt so different. Not only do I not have a problem with Eugene's name anymore, I actually know him. Last year if someone didn't have a patch on I was likely to walk right by them. This year, patches were almost completely absent from the Imperial Ballroom. But, I no longer need that signage to signify who plays and who doesn't. In fact due to spending some time on all circuits I have a pretty vast knowledge of players from around the world. But that doesn't mean I don't still F it up. Just this year at the WSOP we were dishing out 3-4 bracelets a day. I remember coming in for my shift and there being a winner whose name was....very Greek...
I whiffed it and kept going. However, by the time I saw him next in Greece, I had burned that name into my mind. Baller.
It makes me think about what things will be like a year from now. Even my personal life is starting to change to reflect my professional life. I find myself actually spending social time with poker players. And loving it. For all of our faults I have to emphasize that the poker community is absolutely welcoming. And being the dog eat dog world that it is, I think the poker community could be an example for the rest of the world. Just because you are competing for the same prize, doesn't mean you can't share and help each other out. I've said it before and I will say it again. I FEEL BLESSED AND LUCKY TO BE A PART OF THIS WORLD. And I hope when I look back next year I can make of myself and the progress I hope I will continue making.
25 Things You Don't Know About Me
During my recent travels I have had an exceptional amount of time to read terrible trashy magazine. As a result, I have been thinking of many ways to spice up my blog like the pages of a glossy magazine. One is the essential 25 things you don't know about me spread.
1. I was a vegan for two years.
2. I worked on fishing boat for one day.
3. I get sea sick easily.
4. Like every woman, I love The Notebook.
5. I'm way into conspiracy theories.
6. I used to have a girlfriend.
7. Unfortunately every time I'm on the treadmill I secretly hope The Real Housewives will be on.
8. I have four screws in my right hand.
9. Most prescription pain meds make me puke. 
10. I had a summer where I changed my name to Anja de Souza
11. Sometimes when I'm not busy I will watch hours of cute dog videos on YouTube.
12. Once I broke into a historical museum and video taped my friends killing a chicken. (they ate it)
13. I haven't had television since 6th grade.
14. I have worked at Hooters, the Olive Garden and a 50s diner (where my name was Babs)
15. I was a smoker until I was 23 and I chewed. GROSS.
16. I'm cheap.
17. I gained and lost 25 lbs in the last 5 years.
18. One of my favorite ways to spend an evening is with a bottle of wine and a good skype date.
19. I always feel amazing after I leave church.
20. I never feel more awkward than when I'm at a club.
21. When I went to New Orleans I had someone make me customized fangs.
22. I have a tattoo on my butt, my hip, and my waist.
23. WINE FTW!
24. Speaking of that, I get the worst hang overs!! Like vomit for 24 hours bad.
25. I had a bed wetting phase. My dad built a pad for me to sleep on that would wake me up when I did it...so I stopped. Thanks dad.
Changing Diapers is Disgusting
I just spent the last week before the PCA in Texas with Heath's family. It was so interesting because like always I had this incredibly overwhelming sense that FAMILY is absolutely the most important thing in the world. And yet I had the reassuring sense that I don't want children. Maybe I'm just going up slower than I thought.
When I was younger I imagined I would be married at 27 and I would have kids not too long after. I've since had my 28th birthday. And even though I've been with the same person 3.5 years, there is no wedding in sight. More than that though, I still don't find myself desiring the glory of parenthood. I keep waiting for the sensation. I'm so grateful for my parents. I treasure my family. So, why wouldn't I want to continue that legacy?
I guess I'm secretly afraid I'm a fair weather person. Let me be more clear. I'm holding a baby and thinking it so cute and touching his/her soft little head. Suddenly out of no where the baby starts crying and I can't get it outta my hands fast enough. Even the way I call babies "it" may have some kind of larger implications. I LOVE other peoples' kids. I want to Love them and kiss on them. But as soon as something comes up to do or see, I'm out of there! I invite the tots over but after 3 hours I think I might tear my hair out. I mean come on....I ought to be more steadfast and true.
Then I wonder if perhaps we are all just growing up a ton slower. I read the other day that 50% of people 18-25 live with their parents. I think that was unheard of some 50 years ago. Problem is our bodies haven't really evolved to accomodate our new sensibilities and freedoms. Or is it evolution at all? Maybe we are going backwards. I sure as h#*- don't have any idea.
I love my family and the sacrifices made for me become more glaring the closer I get to being 'that age.'
Lost most the pictures from the trip when my phone fell out at Heath's dad's ranch. I found some old ones of my family but they aren't uploading in the blog. I'll have to check back and try to do it again soon.
Pop Quiz
I always read these Quiz sections in my trashy magazines. I love them. This week I decided to pull one out of Allure, October and answer the questions myself.
Scent on a man: Whatever my boyfriend wears. I think it used to be Aqua di Gio, but now he got a new one and I love that one too.
TV Show: Family Guy
Time of Day: After I get done working out....then I'm free!
Shoe: honestly, flip flops. But I wish it was f-- me heels.
Swear Word: Fuck (obv)
Music: songs that always get me going: Journey 'Don't Stop Believing', Black Eyed Peas 'Boom Boom Pow', T-Pain 'Apple Bottom Jeans', Robyn 'Dancing on my own', What is hot right now: Gotye, Youth Lagoon, Cut Copy and I LOVE Chromeo/Steve Aoki
Beauty Product: ugh, unfortunately I'm not great at this.....I guess I would say a good night time moisturizer. Nothing like cleaning your face of the day and putting on some moisture. My mom used to always have the wet face look at night from her many moisturizers. I think it reminds me of her.
Drink: wine (but I'm exploring other options)
Vice: Drinking (but I'm working on that)
Spa Treatment: Deep massage (what kind of question is that?)
Way to Spend Money: On others.
Villain: The Prince who sells out William Wallace in Braveheart. What a chicken shit! And Cruella Deville--I was her for Halloween when I had short black and white hair
Color: Orange, used to be yellow but I switched
~~~~Cruisin~~~~
Just got back from my cruise last night. What an incredible experience to share with my loved ones. There were so many moments when I was like, "yep, these people definitely share my genes." There were other moments when I was thinking, "I can't believe I share a similar genetic code as these people." Good and bad, that is the wonderful thing about family. You don't get the luxury of writing them off with every disappointment or insult. You can't break up with them. I actually think that it might be God's best trick yet. Only through the act of being forced to love and forgive, do you really get to see a person. And in really seeing someone, you discover the greatest love. I think we imagine that we find perfect partners, or imagine that we are treasures as spouses. But really, loving your family is the guide for how to love everyone. With forgiveness, with honesty, with compassion, with empathy and commitment.
My grandpa introduced me to someone he has been friends with since 4th grade on the cruise. At 75 I imagine most people haven't maintained relationships that survived so many years and so much distance. We also went with his cousin whom he is still close to. I hope desperately to still be in my cousins' lives as we near almost a century of life.
(my grandpa's cousin Jimmy Wallace) And my grandpa hasn't always fit the mold his family set out for him, but he always handled everyone with kindness and respect. And thus, after all these years, he still has a close bond with people from all different periods of his long life.
(my grandpa on his 75th birthday Col. Paul Grant)
Being around my younger cousins, my older parents and my even older grand parents I could sense the invisible line we are on to the grace that only age reveals. I got into it with one of my cousins one night at dinner. Only to have Heath knock me under the table and remind me that she is only 18 and clearly not hearing anything I was saying. I looked over at my grandpa who stared back with tender eyes at me and I realized that I was an idiot. I can not teach her things that she will have to learn herself, just like my grandpa can't give me his wisdom and patience. I guess the older you get the more you live by example. And the older I get, the more I realize I know nothing.
But simultaneously the more I look at the people around me, I know that they are having the same experience. They are making mistakes and looking around them for help and answers and insight. And the only way to provide them with a solid reflection is to always look upon them with love and forgiveness. Hopefully they will do the same for you when you look out.
(my daddy who has taught me loads about compassion & empathy)
(my partner who has shown me love & forgiveness)
On the Road again
Yippie!!! It's finally here. I'm leaving in 30 minutes on a cruise. Now if you are picturing pina coladas pool side, you've got the wrong picture. I'm going to spend some quality time with my family. My grandpa invited Heath and I in May to come on a cruise with him and my grandma. Soon pretty much my whole family on that side was on board. No pun intended. 
My dad is coming with his wife, my cousin and her husband, my other cousin and her mom, a total of 22 people!! My grandparents are cruise professionals. Heath and I on the other hand have never been. But secretly I've always wanted to. More than anything though, I am so looking forward to spending some quality time with my grandma and grandpa. They have played such an important role in my life.
Then of course, Heath and I will be going to the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL, to play some pokers!!! Just wanted to give you guys the heads up and expect a long blog with all the details upon my return. Hoping this gorgeous sunset is a good omen!
