Scrappy Hearts

Stuck in Paradise

Things could be worse, I am well aware of that. But, I still wish I were home. It is not easy being away when so many I know are dealing with the after effects of Sandy, my husband included.

Today was the last day I had to spend with my new friend, Grace. We worked very hard for three days and then, relaxed for one wonderful afternoon. Immediately after our last session, we high tailed it out to Cabana for a little celebration! 

Then it was out to the beach for a bit of sun.When the sun decided to hide behind the hotel, we took ourselves up to the pool...After the sun set, we took ourselves down to South Beach.Finally, back at the hotel, we were able to catch some photos of the gorgeous full moon.Today we relaxed on the beach, all day. And then, Grace needed to leave. Being "stuck" was so much better with Grace. Now, I am decidedly alone and lonely.

Tonight I spent some time at Cabana, the outdoor restaurant at the hotel I am calling home these days. They have a Carribean Caesar Salad that is delicious. My waiter was such a sweetheart. It is a chilly evening here in Miami, so he brought me a mini hot chocolate with whipped cream. I was able to enjoy the hot chocolate lounging on the couch beside the fire pit. I know, life is hard! But I still wish I were home.

Poor Joyce,

stuck in Miami Beach...Fortunately I was able to reschedule a flight home on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that Sandy leaves the area quickly and without too much damage.

Hurricane Sandy

Miami style...She was moving out while I was moving in...

Blowing in the wind as Sandy bids her final good-bye. Or so I thought. The winds kicked up a notch and are still blowing at this point. Earlier in the day we spied this rainbow as we enjoyed a late lunch at the Cabana Restaurant.Hoping that Sandy allows me to get home before she lands in New Jersey. My fingers are crossed.

Living with my Eyes Wide Open

This has been an amazing fall. We have taken the time to explore and experience the changing season while balancing work responsibilities.

It hasn't been easy. Even as I type, I am surrounded by work. There are papers to grade, a presentation to prepare, lessons to plan and sub plans to write. But with all of that, there are moments to savor.

The wonder of nature...autumn in all of its awe-inspiring glory.Trying to notice the little gifts of autumn in nature, before they slip away with the season.

This Made My Day

"Love my quilt! It's cozy to snuggle up in, and is perfect for tummy time!"

To see a quilt that I made being used and loved is the greatest gift! She is just the sweetest! Thanks for posting Jamie!

The View from the Weekend

Friday evening we began celebrating Mark's birthday with a special dinner at Casona in Collingswood. Saturday we continued the festivities with a drive up to Stockton, NJ and a hike along the Delaware and Raritan Canal. The hike was a mere 7.5 miles from Stockton, up to Bull's Island, across a foot bridge to Lumberville, PA and then finally trekking across the Delaware River once again back into Stockton. A little hungry, we took a quick drive back to New Hope and enjoyed dinner at Havana!

Today we recuperated. Sunday is my day for laundry and running. I also caught up with some school work and cleaned the bathroom. Dinner was cooked in the crockpot making for an easy meal. Yum!

All in all, my perfect kind of weekend. Friday and Saturday filled with fun and adventure, and Sunday to stay at home and nest. Just perfect.Between the two of us, I think we shot nearly 1,000 photos. It was so hard to choose just a few to share, but I think you get the idea. Now it's time to get ready for the week!

Date Night

Our evening started here, where Jason works. And then we moved the party here...The Mildred, a new restaurant in South Philly. The food, tremendous and the company, even better. One of my favorite parts of our evening was the ambiance of the restaurant. They had an exposed brick wall behind the bar, rich wood toned tables, a fire in the fireplace and comfortably upolstered arm chairs. And, tea lights, don't forget the subtle glow of the flickering flame from the tea lights against the dark wood. It was just perfect! A true delight for all of the senses.

Quote for Today

Setting a goal is not the main thing.

It is deciding how you will go about

achieving it and staying with that plan. 

Tom Landry 

I’ve Hatch a Plan

Ever since school started, I have tried to develop some sort of routine for training that will not kill me. Tonight, while I completed a 60 minute run, I hatched a plan.

Sunday will be a day that I run outside, from home. Monday, aerobics, at home. Tuesday, a long run at the gym. Wednesday, a swim day, at the gym. Thursday, yoga, at the gym. Friday and Saturday will be off days, unless of course I feel compelled to go for either a run or a bike ride. My goals for the winter are to work on my core and arm strength. I will squeeze those workouts in by doing my strength training at home with a plan that I adapted from Run Less, Run Faster, a book I absolutely love!

As I settle back into the routine of being back at work I am feeling a little less overwhelmed. I am still exhausted at the end of each day, but the little ones do that to me! I feel good about having a plan. I feel good about moving forward!

A Good Day for a Run

Today I was running sans Mark who is still recuperating from that awful cold that he caught last week. I was up and out of bed much too early for a Sunday morning. Seven am to be exact. I picked up Jackie and Celeste and we were on our way to Heritage Vineyard.

This is us, after the race.Today was a perfect day for a trail run, unfortunately we were not prepared for the intensity of the run in terms of hills and soft ground. Although it was so going, it was a terrific run. I finished in just over 34 minutes, my slowest finish to date. But, considering the course, I was thrilled. I finished 7th in my age group which I felt very good about.

The best part of the run was positively the scenery.

One of the best parts of this run was the free wine tasting that happened afterward. We were very excited to sample a few varieties.

After the wine, we opted for some donuts. Delicious! We could not have asked for more. I dropped the girls off and, after a quick shower, settled down for a nap. 

The Giants won, we had pizza for dinner and my lesson plans are done. A perfect sort of Sunday!