the perfect leaf-peeping snack !

feeling inspired...

I still can't believe that I won !!!

Hi everyone ~ whew, trying to catch-up on everything (including sleep!) after a whirlwind 5 day get-away to attend Inspiration Unlimited (IU).  Had a blast, loved it!  And I have amazing news to share.... during the Closing Ceremony, a ticket was drawn from a basket containing thousands of tickets.  The lucky winner received free tuition for next year's event --- it's a MEGA prize!  Guess who won it?  ME !!! yes, I WON a free seat to the 2013 IU !!!!!!  OMG, can you believe it ?!?!?  I still can't !!!  Everyone said that my face was frozen when my name was called, that I looked totally stunned.  I was -- and thrilled too!  Thanks to all my IU pals who shared the excitement with me --- your hugs and high-fives and Facebook comments made it all the more fun.  See you all next year, yay!

As soon as I get caught up at home and at the lab, I'll post all about IU.... for now tho, I did post some glimpses from the event back on September 22.  

I'll barely get unpacked before packing again for my next adventure--- Sal and I are heading to New England for some world-class "leaf peeping".  I've wanted and waited to go there for many years to see the incredible fall foliage colors, particularly in Vermont; I'm ecstatic that this year we're finally making it happen.  Along the way, Sal will also be presenting his amazing research at a few prestigious universities.  First stop -- Yale University in Connecticut!

Adding to the chaos that is my schedule this week, I had an appt to see my surgeon as soon as I flew home yesterday.  You might recall that back in May I had gallbladder surgery.  I've unfortunately been experiencing some pain related to that (not sure why 4 months later??).  I'm not in agony, but it's uncomfortable and has me worried.  So, I'm scheduled for bloodwork and an MRCP (a specialized MRI for the digestive organs) later this week.  Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of it.  Hoping I don't need any more surgery!  {fingers crossed}

Be back soon... I've gotta sit still (and stay home!) long enough to share about my journeys.... I owe you posts about the National Parks, IU, and the soon-to-happen leaf-peeping in New England.  Back soon, promise!  (Again, a special thanks to so many gals at IU who said that they enjoy following my blog and asked me to post more often --- you're the best!)

Thanks for stopping by,

Susan

almost home!

So tired !!

Florida-bound

Heading home overnight from Nevada on a red-eye flight ... can't wait to see Sal, Buddy & Aruba tomorrow!

sharing some glimpses of IU ....

Inspiration Unlimited 2012 is only 1/2 over ... more fun to come!
Having a blast, but missing Sal, Buddy & Aruba....

bring on the bling!

I'm ready for the Inspiration Unlimited fun to begin today... I'm blinged-out from my head down to my glittery pink toes and sparkly shoes! (the IU colors are pink, black, silver) this event is all about sparkle and I love that!
Sending a special thanks to my IU friends who told me how they love following my blog!

heading to Nevada....

Ready for fun at Inspiration Unlimited!

Thank you Sal for the early AM airport run!

a new 'do for IU

Well shame on me... I'm getting ready for my next adventure before even blogging about my last.  Seriously, I *meant* to post about our Grand Teton National Park visit before now.... I will soon, promise.  Time just seems to evaporate before my eyes lately (I mean, honestly, how did it get to be mid-September ?!?).  Thanks to so many of you for asking to see our park pics!

Next week I'm heading to Nevada to attend Inspiration Unlimited (IU), a scrapbooking retreat by fab celebrity sb'ing designer Teresa Collins.  {a girl's getaway}  It'll be my first time attending, and I'm so thankful that I made it off the waiting list (yes, it's that popular!) because I'm really missing the no-longer-held annual Creative Escape event.  And as I always do, I've added a special "bonus" destination onto the trip... it's at the Nevada/Arizona border... any guesses?  I'm even taking a red-eye flight back to Florida just so that I have time to go there!

But before the fun can begin, I've been working my way through a mile-long to-do list, both at home and the lab.  Deadlines galore this month, so I'm gonna welcome the break.  I did manage to squeeze in a hair appointment tho!

remembering....

On the FAU campus today:

Labor Day weekend

Hi everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend? (for my readers outside the U.S., it was Labor Day here)

The weather was really nice here in SoFla, so Sal and I enjoyed some beach time

and a nature walk at the wetlands (we even saw one of the kittens from the [elusive] bobcat family that lives there!).

 

There's also excitement among crafters here in Delray Beach because Michaels opened a store here over the weekend! :-). There are other M's stores 5-10 miles away, but it's nice to have a 'hometown' one now. I was so busy enjoying the outdoors that I haven't been to their Grand Opening yet... but the festivities are happening all week long. Will check it out!

I'll be back soon with a post about our visit to Grand Teton National Park....

Have a great week ahead,

Susan