Boston Is In My Heart

Another senseless tragedy that will forever change the lives of many innocent people.  My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this horrible event.

This morning I came across the blog post for The Daily Love, entitled “What to Do When Tragedy Strikes”.  At first I had to re-read “we can choose love”.   How can we love when we are angry  upset and confused over what happened.  I don’t know anyone hurt by the tragedy, my good friends living in Boston are all safe. I am thankful for that.  However, innocent people were hurt and killed. Their lives and the lives of their friends and family are forever changed.  However, when I read the post again, it made sense.
“So, if we really want to heal, if we really want to do the right thing, then – when tragedy strikes, we must Love more.”

“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.” ~Plato

It makes sense.  Let’s love and respect each other, rather than hate. Hopefully LOVE will always triumph.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by

demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat,

worry, and die, it can introduce the idea

that if we try and understand each

other, we may even become friends.”

 

~Maya Angelou~

 

Please Help Me Win a 6 Month Trip Around the World!

My Destination is having a competition called the Biggest Baddest Bucket List…6 Months, 6 Continents ALL EXPENSES PAID!!!!

Please vote for my entry!  This would be an amazing opportunity and a dream come true! 

http://www.mydestination.com/users/virginiainny/bbb#tab

New Year, New Adventures

First I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  2012 was a good year.  I had some great trips! San Francisco and Northern California for my brother’s wedding! Such a fun and beautiful day!  I was also able to fulfill a New Years resolution I made, travel somewhere new. I went to Vegas for the fist time. Vegas is definitely in a world of its own, but what a great trip!  I also did some mini trips, including Atlantic City and Philadelphia!

 

So as the first month of the new year is coming to an end (wow time sure flies by) I decided I should really reflect on what I want to accomplish in 2013.  Like last year, I listed my New Year’s resolutions.  I was able to accomplish some, but unfortunately not all.  

 

One that i did accomplish, travel to a new place, is also going to be a part of my resolutions for 2013.  I was able to volunteer in 2012 and helped with distributing supplies and clean up due to Hurricane Sandy.  Volunteering again showed me to appreciate everything I have.  It was great being able to give back and I met some amazing people!  So before January comes to a close, below are my resolutions for this coming year.

 

Travel somewhere new (I am also looking into a Contiki trip)

 

Visit friends more often (it is a great reason to travel!  I just visited my old college roommate and even though we talk, we don’t hang out enough.  We had such a great time and decided we must do visits and trips more often!)

Run a 5k (I want to do the Color Run!)

Take a trapeze class at the Trapeze School in New York

 

Start freelance writing (I actually did accomplish this recently and wish to continue and build up my portfolio)

 

Graduate from graduate school

 

Get a new job

 

Take a new class (want to learn InDesign and photography class)

 

So cheers to 2013!  A new year that will bring new adventures!

City of Brotherly Love

I know this was awhile ago, as Christmas is tomorrow, but the weekend before Halloween two of my good friends and I took a road trip to Philadelphia to visit our friend Dave for the weekend!

   

We had such a great mini trip! Philadelphia is a great city! It’s only about 2.5 hours from New York. There is a lot to do. I have been to Philadelphia before, but not for a few years.

Philadelphia is a great city! There is a lot to do.  On that Saturday we went to the Union vs. Red Bulls Game which was a lot of fun and was a beautiful day!

A great place to go for brunch in Philly is North Third. The place is cozy and a great place to go with friends. When you walk in the door, there bar is near so be sure to order a mimosa or Bloody Mary. They are excellent! I loved the decor of the place! The best way to describe it is random. Above the bar is an awesome American Eagle.

      

There is also a picture of a winking cat.  Random at its best!

However, the food is delicious!!! Overall, North Third is a great place to go with friends for Sunday brunch!  What more can you ask for?  Good friends, delicious food and great drinks.  CHEERS to that!

Rainbow of Hope

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by and recovering from Hurricane Sandy!  Stay Strong! #NYCStrong.

Rainbow over Lower Manhattan after Hurricane Sandy.

Photo Courtesy of: www.huffingtonpost.com

Take the Reins

“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in a saddle.” ~Winston Churchill  

Last weekend, I decided to do something I had not done in awhile.  I decided to go horseback riding!   Once again New York City provides something you wouldn’t think it would.  I went to The Bronx

Bronx Equestrian Center – Pelham Bay Park (NYC)

Equestrian Center located in Pelham Bay Park.  They offer trail riding, lessons and pony rides for kids!

I forgot how much I enjoy going.  The last time I went horseback riding was in 2009 when I went to Costa Rica.  There seems to always be a span of time in between.  It was nice to be around horses again.  I have always loved horses.  I even took lessons when I was younger.  To me there is something calming about them.  Horses are beautiful and amazing animals.  They have such spirit and grace.

Horse Twins!

For me, there is nothing like going riding.  It can be so peaceful, relaxing and calming.  On the trail it was just me and the horse.  Plus it was a beautiful and sunny day!  Perfect weather for riding!