Weekly Therapy: Party on, Wayne

the week:
It’s been another week where I’ve felt I haven’t slept enough and slog through the day just out-of-my-mind exhausted. Hopefully it’s just some good old-fashioned PMS and not another glutening.

weekend:
Tonight is the Urban Garden Party at the Mattress Factory. I love this party because it’s an awesome fun time, mostly outdoors, celebrates a fabulous institution in Pittsburgh, AND it’s in my neighborhood. Last year we ended up with an amazing painting of Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, and I can’t wait to see what silent auction items are available this year to add to our quirky collection.

I’m also trying to find somewhere to do my 108 sun salutations for the solstice this weekend. Unfortunately, my yoga studio is holding an event on Friday evening, which I can’t attend. Whomp whomp. I might attempt to do on my own Sunday afternoon. MIGHT.

Because finals week is next week.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#21: The Gluten-Free Cheat Sheet: Go G-Free in 30 Days or Less by April Peveteaux

The publisher sent me this book, and it was a super-easy finish (I’m not sure if their contacting me was triggered by reading her previous book or because of my 52 books goal or just a coincidence). I like this one for its main purpose as a recipe guide — especially the 30-day meal plan chapter — and probably would have chosen this book first (I like it’s “pocket guide” size too). Most of the info in the first few chapters was similar to Peveteaux’s other gluten-free book, which was annoying and redundant… and, I don’t know, I just don’t find her all that funny or informative. Meh.

#22: The Blind Side by Michael Lewis: I was a HUGE fan of Lewis’ “Moneyball,” and I equally enjoyed “The Blind Side.” A departure from the psychology and mental training books that I’ve been reading but touching still on the sport element that I enjoy immensely. This is a terrific story about football with a wonderful story about its athletes who play that “blind side” position, specifically Michael Oher. Highly recommend!

Edited to add: And I just realized that this was made into a movie with Sandra Bullock recently, so I’ll have to watch that!

seven things, seven days:
1. Friends who host dinner and find all my dietary restrictions a fun cooking challenge are the best kind of friends.
2. Finally floated successfully out of Crow position at yoga this week…
3. AND the same night we got a free pair of Run Top Speed Crops from lululemon at run club!
4. I also received a few more pitches this week for more advanced copies of books. I like this perk of whatever PR list I am on.
5. Pay-day lunchtime manicures are my new favorite.
6. Recently fell in love with Stash Tea; subsequently bought 100 different teas.
7. Another great column from Brett Steenbarger, compiling the recent findings of how the focus on positives can bring negative consequences: when Strengths are Weaknesses and Weaknesses are Strengths {via Forbes}