Life is a Zoo…2018 is Now Open for Business

So apparently New Year’s Resolutions are supposed to be made (some article I read last year) however I’m going with 2018 Goals, as opposed to resolutions. For me moving forward requires some reflection on the past.

It has been a rough end to the year with the loss of my little fur-friend. I thought I was so prepared to let her go and while I know it was the right decision (at 15yrs and with an enlarged heart, it was her time) it has been a process. I feel like I lost a little piece of my heart. [And that is all I have to say about that – Forest Gump]

There are several other events that I could have done without coming to fruition at the year end. So it was important that I look back over the events of the past year if for nothing other than to not judge 2017 on just the last two months of the year.

The Good Stuff (in no particular order)

• I spent time in Texas with friends

• A work trip to Mexico

• The road trip of all road trips from FL to Seattle

• Fantastic conference in NOLA with two amazing gal pals

• Some great workouts (inclusive of podium finish at a comp) and improvements in the lifting department
• Progressed with the PhD
• I’m a godmother/aunt to the most beautiful little girl

2018 Goals

• Finish my PhD – Spring 2018 – even if it damn near kills me
• Secure a job in academia for a Fall 2018 start
• Stay strong
• Don’t be a disappointment
• No matter what, no matter where – don’t forget to find the positive and always keep a smile

That pretty much sums it up.

So here is to 2018 and remember…

“If you are confident enough, every zoo is a petting zoo.” – Author Unknown

In Memory of Ruby: 2002-2017

Rest in Love little girl

Going Green

While visiting in Ft. Lauderdale, I went out for lunch with friends. (Honestly, I just got in the car and found out we were going for lunch – I’m always up for an adventure!)

Ended up at a Vegan restaurant called Green Bar & Kitchen. Located in a strip plaza off of 17th street in Ft. Lauderdale, this hidden gem serves delectable food that vegans, vegetarians, and food lovers will enjoy.

On the advice from a frequent visitor, I had the Green Bar Burger: brown rice, quinoa, chickpea, roasted vegetables, sunflower seeds, garlic, lettuce & chipotle mayo served on a burger bun (gluten free bun available upon request). It was excellent, great flavor and excellent presentation.

The table shared an order of loaded fries: *seasoned with chili, “cheese” and scallions. If there are toppings left from the loaded fries, I suggest adding them to the burger for a little extra “pow”. I also tasted the Mac-n-Cheese – you would never know it isn’t real “cheese”!

Loaded fries

Green Bar Burger

Eating there is dine-in or take-out – the staff is very nice and has great suggestions in the event you don’t know what to order.

Overall – I give this place an A++! 🙂

P.s. The outside patio is dog friendly!

*Photos (and restaurant selection) courtesy of Aneysi Fernandez

Sending Postcards from the Inn

Beach Chair View of St. Petersburg

Several years ago, while job hunting I came across the Postcard Inn. I applied for a job but at the time they were unfortunately (or fortunately) fully staffed. Since then, this property has been very high on my list of properties to spend a night (or several) at. Needless to say when the opportunity arose to stay at the property, I was all over it. To that end I would like to thank the gang from Crossfit Hunters Creek, Crossfit Taino, and The Pit Athletics for deciding to compete in Battle at the Beach! Now then, on with my review.

Upon walking in the front doors to check-in, the vibe was relaxed and casual but with a wonderful Gulf Coast flair. There was an immediate feeling of relaxation (complimentary postcards are available at the front desk…they will even mail them for you, postage included!!). The front office staff was perfect the entire weekend – always smiling and happy to help with questions (regardless of how silly they might be…not that I would ask such questions!)

All about the balance

Throughout the hotel you can find a variety of wonderful touches that are reminiscent of a beach vacation back before there was internet or cell phones. From a variety of games available (pool table and ping pong in the courtyard, connect four, scrabble, and giant jenga in the lobby), a fire pit that is lit at night, rocking chairs, and lounge chairs galore to movie night in the lobby on Fridays…there is plenty to do when you feel the need to take a break from the sun.

The room was very well decorated. Bright, happy colors. Old photos on the wall, taken during various eras. A sitting area with a surf board on the wall. Plenty of room to lounge…but really who needs to spend time in the room when the fun is outdoors?!

Beautiful room

The weather the entire weekend was beautiful and therefore I spent most of the weekend outdoors! In addition to the fun indoor games, the hotel has a beautiful pool, bicycles for use, and … did I mention it is right on the beach? Sure is! With beach chairs and beach couches for hotel guests to use. The PCI Beach Bar was were I spent a good chunk of my time, when I wasn’t on the beach. The bar staff was great (they even found the Dolphins game on tv for me!), the drinks were well priced (I suggest enjoying happy hour!) and the food was rather good (I suggest the fried shrimp or the Island chicken wrap!).

Pool

PCI Beach Bar

St. Petersburg Beach

In addition to the bar, the Boathouse Kitchen & Bar is the full service restaurant on premise. I decided to treat myself on my last night for dinner in the restaurant…I enjoyed a wonderful lobster bisque, followed by a lobster ravioli (the seared scallops were out sadly) and paired with a Carnivore Cabernet. I decided to stave off my food coma with a sit by the fire pit, it was rather relaxing!

Lobster Ravioli

Lobster Bisque

PCI Breakfast

While there is more that I could go on about, all in all the experience exceeded my expectations. It was exactly what I needed after an intense 3 month of coursework. I would also like to congratulate my crossfit peeps for hitting the podium in 3rd place (respectively for male and female teams)….I can’t think of a better way to spend celebrating being ABD than to be able to grab clicks of my crossfit homies, enjoy some great beach weather, beautiful sunsets and finally get to stay at the Postcard Inn.

Sunsets on the Gulf Coast

Food & Wine: 2016 Edition

Welcome to Food and Wine

Visiting Epcot during Food & Wine Festival is an annual tradition amongst many. It is definitely a tradition for myself and my friends.

Apart from the smorgasbord of food consumed, we had a great time people watching and riding some of the rides (Finding Nemo, Three Amigos in Mexico, and the newly revamped Soarin’, which I loved!)

Below is a breakdown of the food and beverages tasted (between 3 people, not all by me!), some with pictures, some without! Enjoy!

Greenhouse Guru: Chilled tomato gazpacho with lump crab meat (Note: Wouldn’t try again, very little flavor and was almost frozen as opposed to chilled)

Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

Wine & Dine Studio: Pork Tenderloin with Cannelloni Bean Ragout and Zinfandel Reduction

Islands of the Caribbean: Jamaican Beef Patty; Mojo Pork with Black Beans Cilantro Rice and Pickled Onions (Note: Nothing special); Pescado con Coco: Seared grouper, pigeon peas, and rice with coconut sauce; Frozen Mojito (Note: Yummy)

Jamaican Beef Patty (bottom) Pescado con Coco

Greece: Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce (Note: You can get better at the fairgrounds, recommend passing)

Patagonia: Beef empanada; Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree (Note: the Empanada is ok, good flavor; Highly recommend the beef skewer)

Hawaii: Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise (Note: GET IT!)

Farm Fresh: Loaded Mac’n’Cheese (Note: this was very good, a little heavy on the onions)

Australia: Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunches

China: Beijing Roasted duck in a steamed bun with hoisin sauce (Note: this is one of my favorite F&W dishes, I look forward to it year after year).

Beijing roasted duck in a steamed bun with Hoisin sauce

Poland: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream; Frozen Szarlotka: Apple Pie feat. Zubrowka bison grass vodka (Note: Both of these were excellent. Kielbasa won as new favorite dish)

Hops & Barley: New England Lobster Roll (Note: Good but wouldn’t get it again)

Brazil: Crispy Pork Belly with Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaca (Note: typically very good, this year it wasn’t on par)

Pork belly and Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaca

France: Boeuf Bourguignon: Cabernet Sauvignon-braised Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes

Ireland: Warm chocolate pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard with Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka (Note: the pudding is sweet but very good; the frozen cocktail is best if mixed before drinking otherwise all the vodka will hit you at once)

Canada: “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (Note: Most excellent)

Refreshment Port: Croissant doughnut with cinnamon and sugar (Note: Perfect!)

All in all a great day and per usual, stayed for the fireworks which, in my humble opinion, is the best way to end the day.

Pork Tenderloin with Cannelloni Bean Ragout and Zinfandel Reduction

Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce

Enjoying pork belly

Some of the countries

Wine

New England Lobster Roll

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream

Loaded Mac’ n’ Cheese with Nuke’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar cheese, and green onions

Warm Chocolate Pudding with Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel vodka

Frozen Szarlotka: Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Top of the Box: Edition T+T

The creative coaching minds at Crossfit Troika put together a competition style event in which teams are randomly created and athletes of all fitness levels can work together in a multi-wod event. The event is held once a month, typically on a Friday, and is hosted by various boxes across the Central Florida area. The purpose of the event is to promote community building and teamwork while having fun!

Crossfit Taino hosted the Top of the Box event this month and it was such good fun!

I’ve missed the several of the previous events (including when my home-box hosted) so I was very excited to attend this event. I was initially very intimidated to take part, as the majority of the athletes were experienced and advanced athletes (I’m very much a beginner!). Thanks to my teammates (I was lucky to have been randomly paired with a long-time teammate) and the assistance of those around me, I did very well and the nerves quickly dissipated.

I continue to be in awe of the crossfit community. Everyone is friendly and supportive. It is the one place that for just a little while I feel as if I’m not being judged by how heavy I am, rather I’m seen as just another athlete. Don’t get me wrong, being surrounded by six-pack abs, hot-squat booties, and overall athletic bodies that are made for fitness magazines, is a little overwhelming … but the focus is on enjoying the journey, supporting each other, and being good ambassadors for the sport and community. Music, laughter and fitness are paired with good vibes and, in my mind, that is the formula for a good time!

The turnout was great, the event was organized, and everyone had such fun. I managed to grab some clicks after my team’s heat was up (lucky for me we competed in the first heat, so I could take pics the next couple rounds). I’ve never multitasked as both competitor and photographer before, so it was rather interesting!

A special thanks to Crossfit Taino for allowing me to photograph and to all who were so friendly and supportive!

Community

Always having fun!

Coaches – thinking of ways to torture people

Snatch!

WODs on deck!

(Hopefully all facts regarding the event are correct! I apologize profusely if I missed giving any credit to where it is due!)

Christmas in Ft. Meyers…In July

Impromptu adventures are the best kind of adventures!

My partner in crime had a bowling tournament in Ft. Myers (a Christmas in July themed tourney!). So I joined the fun as “the cheer-squad/personal assistant.” It was a blast! He did very well (setting a higher tourney average for himself and placing!), I got a crash course in bowling (no, I’m not ready for a pop quiz) and met some wonderful people!

Getting those strikes!

Practice rounds

All is quiet….

Friday night after checking into the hotel, we decided that we were going to have a nice dinner and watch the sunset over the water (when you live on the East side of the state you see the sun rise, so watching the sun set is a treat!). We landed at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill.

Every good adventure needs a handsome partner in crime

The vibe is beach/resort casual. The bottom deck is open seating, however for the upper deck, or inside, you do need to check-in with the hostess. Live music was playing on the bottom deck, just know that it is hard to hear from the upper deck.

[Hint: Take advantage of the complimentary valet parking, and don’t forget to tip your valet driver.]

Being that it was Friday night, we were a little worried about the wait time, especially as we opted for an outside table. The hostess gave us an estimated time of 30min, so we headed downstairs to the bar to grab a drink. (MUST TRY: Key Lime Pie Martini)

…15min later our table was ready! Score!

It was tough deciding what to order.  The food is well priced, given that it is fresh seafood and a upper end-casual atmosphere (starters range from $8.95 – $12.95; sandwiches $9.95 – $17.95; entrees $19.95 and up).

As a starter we split 1/2 pound of peel-n-eat shrimp (cold) and steamed mussels. The mussels were divine! They were served in a red sauce with fresh garlic and onions (at one point we both were just drinking the sauce by the spoonful). The shrimp was also rather delectable and I probably could have downed another 1/2 pound. For my main, I went with the blackened grouper sandwich (great flavor and a good portion size) and a side of sweet potato fries.

Blacked grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries

Peel-n-eat shrimp plus steamed mussels

Doc’s has an extensive drink menu, including 3 pages of rums (a “rum flight” is an option). The wine list is, well…crap…but who goes to a Rum Bar to drink wine?! I decided to try the “Happy Gator Mojito” as it had the Don Q rum and Key Lime Liquor that was in the Key Lime Mojito. Sadly, all I really tasted was sprite with a hint of mint and rum, but I really liked the mason jar it was served in! The drinks were well priced and there are daily drink specials and features. Definitely a little something for everyone.

Happy Gator Mojito

Overall, the service was just ok. Our server seemed to forget about us at times. When he did come to the table he was very helpful and had a wonderful demeanor (his multitasking skills just need a touch bit of work for him to move from being ‘ok’ to ‘very good’).

We thoroughly enjoyed the view (it is worth the wait time…be it short or long) and the food. It was a fantastic evening and I would most definitely recommend Doc’s to anyone passing through Ft.Meyers.

 

Discovering my backyard

It often takes having visitors to discover the sights of the area where you live. Due to the recent visit of a friend from across the pond, I had the opportunity to get out and “Discover Florida”. From an airboat ride, beach days on both coasts, to kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding – I was reminded just how pretty my home state really is. My friend said it best “so much adventure and all away from Disney!” A peak at some of what we saw…

Panoramic Clearwater

A sea of yellow beach umbrellas at Clearwater Beach

Ranching – Florida style

Enjoying the view

Tranquil Playalinda

Florida beauty

3 big gators popping up to see what all the noise was about

Victory is So Sweet

This gallery contains 11 photos.

While I normally do most of my shooting/posting when I travel – my real love is action photography. Specifically sport photography – even more so if I know and enjoy the teams/sports that I’m shooting. The University of Northwestern Ohio men’s soccer team made it to to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen tournament for the first time […]

The Last Great Break of 2013

The benefit to teaching in a quarter system is that I have a break that spans the month of December. During this time, I leave the frozen tundra a.k.a the Midwest and fly (technically drive) south to FL.

I vowed that over the break I was going to stay close to home and spend as much time with family/friends as possible. With the exception of not visiting some key people, I made the most of my trip and found myself extremely relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

Highlights of the Winter Break adventure included a trip to South Florida (with an amazing drive on A1A north)

 

Fun with my bro at Universal Studios – a perfect day with minimal lines and great weather  (Thanks Mari!)

Lunch at Margaritaville – Cheeseburger in Paradise

The train leaving from Hogwarts

An creative evening with friends

Release the inner artist

Fun with friends, wine, and art stuff

An overall relaxing time at home with the Rubes

Hanging out in the sun/shade

Visit to Rosen

The bridge in Titusville

Resting up

Winter Wanderings

The best part of teaching is the month off during the winter season (Thanksgiving till 1st week of Jan!). This winter was rather busy, after exams I flew out to Wyoming for a two week training session (me=trainer), then from Wyoming to Florida to spend the rest of the winter with friends and family. I’ve managed to make my way from Titusville to Naples and down to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood before coming back to Titusville. I’m enjoying the sunshine, especially with the knowledge that Ohio is getting hammered with snow, but mostly I’m enjoying being able to spend time with my family and catch up with friends.

Ruby has been spending her winter vacation in Titusville at Casa de Templeton Parents. Where I am enjoying the warmth, she will be VERY happy to see snow and bask in the cooler climate.

I’ll pull out of Florida by Jan 2 and start the journey back to Ohio, with a stop in South Carolina before parking my soon-to-be frozen rear in Lima. I hope everyone had a super Merry Christmas and has festive plans for New Year (and the New Year!)

 

Ruby enjoying her winter vacation home