Scrappy Hearts

Robin’s Quilt

Look at what Robin completed today.Yup, she finished the top to her t-shirt quilt that we started back in 2009. Ever since I met Robin, at least 10 years ago, she has wanted to make a t-shirt quilt for her daughter, Samantha.

I had no idea how to help her because it is not something that I have ever done. So, in August of 2009, we took a class together to learn how to piece together a t-shirt quilt. It was not easy. I felt like a fish out of water. It certainly was not what I was used to.

But, we persevered, and look at what she made. My quilt, I did a little differently and it still needs the sashing added before I can think of adding the borders. I will have to finish mine this weekend because Robin and I are heading to the quilt shop on Tuesday to pick up the backing fabric and batting. The following week we will take the quilt to the ladies who handle the long-arm quilting.

Robin's quilt, as you can see, is so close to being done, I love it. I am so proud of Robin for sticking with the project. Quilting is a very forgiving hobby. If you are interested in learning to quilt, we should definitely get together!

Training

Last night Jackie, my training partner, and myself pushed ourselves through a very difficult workout. We were both dreading the evening knowing that the challenge in front of us was greater than any we have had to overcome thus far.

It would have been very easy to take it easy, but we didn't. We pushed ourselves through the training, focusing on the positive. When we were just about finished with the required number of laps we pushed ourselves just a bit harder and truly sprinted the last 25 yards. Our times were good, not just considering the workout we had just completed, they were good for us; two non-swimmers. We were very proud and anxious to keep moving forward.

I am grateful that Jackie is my partner and I know that training for the triathlon would be so much more difficult if we weren't doing it together.

I found this quote today, from one of my favorite movies. I think I have to post this on the wall in my bedroom to remind myself daily.

"It's supposed to be hard.

If it wasn't hard,

everyone would do it.

The hard is what makes it great."

- Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

Ready to Tri?

Well, the triathlon may be 7 weeks away, but I am beginning to prepare in ernest. Jackie and I have been following the Athleta 12 week plan to a sprint triathlon. We actually started swimming before that because we knew that swimming was our weakest sport. But I digress.

This post is not about training, preparing, it is about shopping, preparing. I shopped and shopped for a tri-bag that I thought would be appropriate without going over the top. Afterall, I am not a professional athlete. I didn't want to spend a fortune but I wanted a bag that would help me to be organized and this bag is it! I ordered it from SwimOutlet and I am thrilled with my purchase.

Of course, I ordered a couple of other goodies that were not necessary but will make my transitions just a bit smoother during the tri. I am not looking forward to starting the event at 7 in the morning, but knowing that everything I need is organized in my blue gear will certainly help to ease the stress of getting out of bed at 4:30am and competing. At least I am hoping it will!

 

Project Life, Week 28

Week 28 started very early on a Sunday morning, 5:30 te be precise. Every time I need to get up early for a race I ask myself, "why?" Why do I insist on torturing myself? But, when all is said and done, I always have a good time and am grateful for the opportunity. The Color Run left me feeling that same way.There were so many fun photos taken at The Color Run that I included a 6x12 page protector so that I could include an additional 6 photos. The photo above shows the left page without the insert. Mark and I have tried to make Mondays and Tuesdays our weekend, so that when we want to take a day trip, we are not compromised by weekend traffic. So far that plan is working pretty well for us. 

This past Monday we picked up mom and took a trip down to Historic Smithville. Mom and I hadn't been there in a couple of years, and Mark had never been there. We had a delightful day. The weather was a bit cooler and it was not crowded at all!The insert for The Color Run photos has the pre-color photos on the front side and the post color photos on the back side. Colorful is definitely the word to describe how we looked after the race and the rave.

Wednesday and Thursday I work at The Islander Store in Barnegat Light. I have been heading down early on Wednesday and then home after work on Thursday.Now that I have the okay from my doctor to run, I need to continue my training een when I am away from home. Last week was my first training run since I had hurt my knee. I have the prettiest spot to run as you can see from the top left photo. It was a gorgeous evening and the run went well. On Thursday I stayed on the island a bit later since Mark was at a meeting in Princeton. I caught this gorgeous sunset as I drove home through the pine barrens.

Friday I received postal love, Fed Ex style. My tri bag and accessories arrived in the mail. I was so excited and I feel much better moving forward having what I perceive I need to compete. I am a bit OCD like that! Mark and I took a bit of time to relax in the yard and grab a free Refreshe at Starbucks. The car passed inspection and I picked up some school supplies for my classroom.

Saturday had me cleaning out drawers and cabinets, collecting donations for Goodwill. Generally the day was spent organizing and doing a bit of laundry.

Our week, as it was... This morning I stopped by Ali Edwards' blog and saw that she had updated her blog with a post featuring her week 27 layout. She is keeping it very simple these days. I do love how she adds brushes and words to her photos. I will have to get better at that, I think it will make the whole process a bit easier.

I am going to share my link over at The Mom Creative where Jessica has a guest post on her blog. Kaylee Aimee and she shared some great ideas incorporating the F style page protector. Great pages and a great read. Also, she posted a freebie to download. Hurry on over...

As always, if you are the least bit interested in Project Life, I urge you to check out Becky Higgins' site. I just love recording our family happenings this way. Takes the stress out of the process and allows me to go with the flow, even when I fail to take photos.

So Proud of Us

Yesterday Jackie and I headed to the gym. Our goal, back to back workouts, run to swim. According to our training schedule we were to run at least 30 minutes and swim 600 yards. We decided to make the run a 5K and the swim an endurance training, 30 minutes without stopping. And, much to my surprise, we accomplished both.

The run was actually the first time I pushed myself since my knee injury and it went really well.

The swim was actually not bad or stressful. We kept our heart rates up and actually swam 900 yards, over 1/2 mile which is what we will be required to do the day of the triathlon. I am just so proud of our commitment! Go us!

Simple Pleasures

I sat at the sewing machine for the first time in a while and it felt so good. I have had three quilts and a table-runner "almost" finished for about three months now. Sometimes I run across an issue when finishing a quilt that seems so overwhelming to me at the time; I generally fold up the quilt and just move on to another project. Well, last night I pulled the four projects that were in that pile and decided that now was the time to finish them. 

I will be so very happy to finally to finish those projects. There will be quite a bit of hand-sewing with my left hand, the one injured in the fire, but if I go slow and steady I am sure that the quilts will be finished in no time!

So, I am moving ahead, one project at a time...

Daytrippin'

This is the summer of day trips. So many things that we had wanted to do, but there is really too much to get done around here to be gone too long. Also, there is work to consider. 

This past week we took a ride down to Smithville with mom. We had lunch outside on the lake, wandered through the shops and even purchased a few things. It was the perfect summer day. There was the train ride...There was the carousel...Finally, there was ice cream. They made me wait forever! All in all it was a great day. We have not decided where our next adventure will take us, but I am hoping for a hike to Apple Pie Hill. 

Who’s Ready for School

Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister and my nieces were out shopping. Back to school shopping has always been one of the traditions that the girls and I share. Back when Amanda and Olivia were little they would actually spend a couple of days during the summer in my classroom, "helping" me to get ready for my kiddos.

Well, the girls loved the owls and decided that my theme for this year would be...Look whooo's going into second grade. And, it works for me. Fortunately back to school is still several weeks away, but I am prepared. Thanks Jen, Amanda, Olivia and Emma. You guys are the best shoppers!

Today in Pictures

This is what I call, "Summer job security!"Feet break by the bay, much needed after 8 hours of moving boxes and clothing.Dinner by the bay, delicious!  My future, slowing moving past. I just love that sailboat!Driving home, perfectly timed to catch this gorgeous sunset. Life is good!

Something to Ponder

"We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?...Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you...We are all meant to shine, as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."