Author: Mel

Weekly Therapy: two steps forward, two steps… harder.

- Mel

the week:
Well, that was a short week. Thankfully, I was able to switch my Monday shift to visit friends up in Chautauqua for some fall outdoors and boating fun. But whew, I have been feeling like unmotivated crap since. Thanks, sugar.

weekend:
Both the boyfriend’s parents and my dad and aunts are visited this weekend, separately. I opted not to attend a neighbor’s chili cookoff (not much there for me anyway). I also fit in homework (a research paper AND a proctored exam). What was that about me wanting to take a full-time position at work? Remind me about the money. Also, also: I had this bright idea to run the Fineview Step-a-thon race. 371 steps and 5+ miles. WHO AM I?!

You know that whole thing about “my weekend needing a weekend”? Yeah, that.

seven things, seven days:
1. Trying new cat boxes and litters… again. And new Feliways in a couple new spots. I’m determined NOT to put my cat on anti-depressants.
2. This gluten-free food study scares me and makes me SO MAD.
3. The personality trait that doubles Alzheimer’s risk. Welp. {via PsyBlog}
4. After two-and-a-half years in my part-time role at work, I’m moving into a full-time position. Not the dream, but it will get me through the end of school.
5. Speaking of school: OMG FINANCIAL AID. Why is there a lapse in communication with students ALWAYS. Until they need money.
6. Been thinking a lot about being mindful since my last Happiness Conspiracy. This Psychology Today article about How to Spend the First 10 Minutes of the Day makes sense.
7. Why resilient people are happier: And how to be more like them {via The Muse}

Weekly Therapy: glass half full

- Mel

the week:
Well, management theory is over, and I’m doing less-than-awesome in Statistics (which is really bumming me out). I’m all caught up on my grant writing course, however; last week I also started a sociology class about Workplace Diversity theories. No derby has opened up a “free” schedule of my dreams for studying and homework and general Getting Ahead. Another adaptation though (and really hoping it has a positive effect on my sleeping patterns).

We went to the post season Pirates game last Wednesday and had the most amazing seats (and were, embarrassingly, on the Kiss Cam *cringe*). I also got a foul ball souvenir from my seatmate. Too bad about those Pirates though; it was a bear of a game to watch… save for Bumgarner’s incredible pitching.

weekend:
I worked all day on Saturday, so I feel like I need another weekend from my weekend… sigh. That’s the worst, right? (Especially upon coming home you realize that your new class assignments are due on Saturdays and not Sundays). At least I could join a couple neighbor friends for delicious Sunday brunch at Kaya (still one of my favorites in this city), and I ran 3 miles! My body is starting to accept this change in exercise behavior.

seven things, seven days:
1. Thanks to Ashley from Our Little Apartment for the “unfilth” your habitat app. {NSFW language on the app, but go search in Apple store!}
2. I can’t be the only annoyed by the word “sweetie,” right? Please tell me that I’m not overly-sensitive about this. {This, I find from both men and women, but feels especially condescending from women for some reason.}
3. The sink cabinet that I adored and drooled over (and pinned!) for months is too big for the master bathroom renovation. And I’m angry devastated. Stupid row house space constraints.
4. But the contractors are starting this week on demo, so…
5. I LOVE RUNNING IN THIS COOL WEATHER!
6. We had to turn on the heat though. Good thing it works?
7. I’ve always preferred the word “adapt” to “change” — it’s all in the optimism, I think. Regardless, this article is appropriate given the season: Adapting to Change. {via PsychCentral}

It probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that I’m reading Redirect: The surprising new science of psychological change.

Weekly Therapy: picking up where I left off

- Mel

the week:
RECOVERY is the word of the week. After skating 4 games in 3 days and driving 8+ hours to/from Evansville, Indiana, with 1 (revenge) win and 3 losses, an elbow to the nose and a trip to the ER, my body and mind is ready for a mini break. Alas… feeling conflicted about the end of the season.

weekend:
My favorite event in the Cultural District: Gallery Crawl! This one also features the Night Market again, which has been a popular feature of the quarterly gathering. It’s also date night, which… we need right now.

Also: here’s hoping I can actually finish my Statistics homework this weekend. I’m taking MUCH longer than the estimated time for these assignments, and basically burned out last week — unable to take the weekly quiz. Really hoping to make up the score too, but I feel like nothing is possible right now. SIGH.

seven things, seven days:
1. Went to my first Happiness Conspiracy meet-up, and it was so wonderful to meet new women who are doing amazing things in Pittsburgh. We also did something creative called black-out poetry, and I’m kind of obsessed with it!
2. Hahahahahahahahahah I signed up for my first 15K. In November. I’m so dumb. But, hot chocolate and peer pressure wins. And no, that 1 in front of the 5 was not a mistake… Probably.
3. Got all new bloodwork to see where my Vitamin D levels are. It was really good to hear confirmation from my doctor that I was making good diet decisions. Now, let’s hope my results agree.
4. Kinda-sorta-hadda start over on my diet restrictions, since I cheated with sugar during my tournament travels (baby needs her sport beans).
5. OMG you guys, I’m only 5’3″! My entire life being a 5’4″ woman is a lie. But at least I’m now officially petite?
6. I love Kate and her blog. Now that she’s in the 30 Club, I wanted to show off her recent post about cultivating personal style as a “jazzy old woman.”
7. What’s the #1 thing that prevents you from changing your habits? Summer Tomato with another wonderful post about limiting beliefs.

Weekly Therapy: GIMME ALL THE SUGAR!

- Mel

the week:
Oh boy, am I having sugar withdrawal headaches. It’s almost enough for me to say EFF THIS and eat an entire package of gluten-free blueberry muffins with a side of gluten-free honey nut Chex. I won’t, and I’ll survive, but I am miserable. *takes more Tylenol*

I started my statistics course! Woot!

weekend:
The annual Mexican War Streets House Tour (our neighborhood) is happening today. We — well, our garden — participated last year, so I’m excited to NOT be stressed about that, but looking forward to seeing all the incredible houses on the tour this year. Also, neighbors serving mimosas in a couple hours. BRB.

housegarden2014

Last night we went to a live reading of The Wonder Years (first season) at Arcade Comedy Theater. Super psyched as their programming is always hilarious, and the show was one of my favorites as a kid — plus Rick Sebak as adult Kevin, narrating!

seven things, seven days:
1. Have you heard about/done NET type of behavioral therapy? Someone at a happy hour was recently discussing having NET, and I find it fascinating.
2. I lived without my phone for 24 hours (and drove 2 hours home by myself). OH THE ANXIETY.
3. My boyfriend’s parents remarried in a beautiful, small ceremony at Gervasi vineyards in Ohio. So lovely.
4. Burned my finger trying to heat up an oatmeal cup for breakfast, even though I had a hot pad. #dumb
5. I. LOVED. Acupuncture.
6. And then I woke up feeling like I threw my back out (hashtag, old lady). I basically couldn’t bend over or make any sudden movements propelling myself forward. Seems to have worked itself out, but WTF.
7. Something I’m sure we’re all talking about this week: Psychology lessons from the Ray Rice fiasco {from PsychCentral}

Retesting and being tested.

- Mel

Guys. I did NOT pass my food sensitivity test. At all. In fact, this six-month retest is worse than my initial one. My body was obviously trying to tell me something what with all the sugar cravings, and well, now I can’t have sugar. NO SUGAR. No cane sugar, no HFCS, no brown sugar, no white sugar, no corn sugar. NO SUGAR.

paraorganizarte_keepcalm

Do you know that sugar is in basically everything?

List of items in my pantry/fridge that are now off-limits:
My gluten-free oatmeal packs.
Peanut butter AND the PB2 that I recently fell in love with.
Gluten-free honey nut Chex. (Obvs, but this makes me sad.)
My poop bars.
Mayo. FREAKING MAYO HAS SUGAR IN IT. Do you know how hard it was to find a brand that didn’t contain paprika?
Nomato ketchup.
Bolthouse Chai drink that I use in my fridge oats.
My gluten-free, nightshade free honey mustard from Annie’s. See: mayo.
The chocolate milk drink boxes that I have after every workout/practice. OMG.
My gummy Vitamin D supplements. Seriously. I can’t swallow pills. What am I supposed to do now?
That brand of beef jerky that finally (FINALLY!) didn’t have nightshades.
Sugar.

On top of ol’ sugar, I again tested for nightshades and gluten and hops; I also tested for potato starch, which I didn’t have a sensitivity to in my prior test (pick up a gluten-free anything, there is potato starch in it). So, buh-bye gluten-free pancake mix and frozen waffles and anything easy that I can make for breakfast when I haven’t had enough coffee in the world. Incredibly, my shellfish sensitivity (which I consider to be truly an allergy) fell off the radar, but I’m NOT ready to reintroduce projectile vomiting into my diet changes just yet.

I feel really lost right now. Have you given up sugar in your diet (because of medical/sensitivity reasons or otherwise)? Send help.

{photo credit: Energy We Bring}

Weekly Therapy: got that new carpet smell!

- Mel

the week:
Carpet was installed in the guest space, and now we wait for the final finishes and touches (and a back-ordered pendant light) to complete the renovation. I have been MORE than impressed with the work from these contractors, and we hired them to start other projects in the house next month. Yep, we’re going all out for a master bathroom remodel! Which means I also get a (tiny) walk-in closet.

{check out the pics down there in the Insta-therapy sidebar!}

weekend:
Last regular season game (away) in Ohio! Then it’s time for Playoffs. Get it.

seven things, seven days:
1. I was super pumped to attend a session about sports psychology and CrossFit last weekend, sponsored by my box and given by a fellow athlete and almost-psychologist.
2. Found another gluten-free bakery just outside of the Pittsburgh area: Truly Wize. They also sell their sweet goodies at Naturally Soergel’s; boyfriend also found some packaged oatmeal cookies at Market District. I’m currently embarrassing myself over their version of a swiss cake roll (IT’S SO AWESOME).
3. Somehow in my sleep I purchased a case (a CASE!) of Figgies & Jammies, so says this Amazon email. They are the best, and I was traumatizing myself that I forgot to purchase at Soergel’s this weekend. So I will eat them.
4. Can you believe I have been gluten- and nightshade-free for six MONTHS!? I have my retesting next week with Emily Levenson (look her up if you’re interested in having sensitivity testing done).
5. REALLY looking forward to Britt Reint’s Conspiracy next month. In Pittsburgh? You should join the group!
6. West Elm Bakery Square is opening in Pittsburgh next week (YAY!!!).
7. Three tips to change your perspective on nearly everything. {via PsychCentral} I really like the idea of the heart-to-heart. We all need that perspective at one point or another.

Weekly Therapy: inspiration, perspiration… and probably a sweets coma.

- Mel

the week:
The contractors were totally right when they said things were going to start moving quickly. Because, OMG we have a room! Save for the random items that keep ending up on the back-ordered list (and that we need to find time to go mattress shopping for our new bed in the master), this guest suite is basically done. You know, expect for carpeting (ugh, delayed until the end of the month).

Last week, I’ve felt the most crappy since I started my food elimination diet. I was back to being lethargic every day… feeling like my body was caving in on me. Thankfully, it feels like I’m out the other end (glutened pun intended?) of a really bad contamination period. Can you believe I’m approaching my six-month mark?

last weekend:
I ran a mile! And then I had a margarita. The end. Oh, my summer semester ended too (two more A grades!). Then there was the annual APA Convention. So much in the way of travel stories and inspiration and things I learned that have to come later in another post — but it was an amazing experience.

this past weekend:
So much busy: happy hour dinner with the boyfriend, then the Steelers game, and then our neighbors hosted an alley party/dance party. ‘Tis fun, but I need a weekend!

seven things, seven days:
1. I’ve totally been stuck on the same book for over a month. The struggle is real.
2. Well then, that week off before Fall semester went by quickly. Starting off Fall semester with a management theory class. Woof.
3. Gluten-free baked goodies from a bakery in Rhode Island (mail order cinnamon buns!). You’re welcome.
4. Still craving ketchup. This helps.
5. Really sad about Robin Williams, right? Read: Depression when you have it all {via PsychCentral}
6. I was really hoping to do a SUP Yoga class before the end of summer. Know of any sessions available in Pittsburgh?
7. I poked myself in the eye with some sidewalk chalk (those big crayon-shaped instruments), and had a blood mark on my eye white for nearly three weeks. It’s finally dissipated (thankfully!). I swear, these weird situations seem to find me. And I need to stay away from blunt objects.

How’s your week?

Weekly Therapy: namaste

- Mel

the week:
The renovation project was on hold for a week, waiting for the electrician (who finally came to do the work on Saturday). The canned light placement was wrong, so needed to be fixed today. This will be the thing that sets me off, won’t it? Or was it the massive swarm of bees that found their way into a hole in our window sill? Anyway, contractors tell me that things will move very quickly now.

It better… because, week #4.

yogafest outdoors pittsburgh point park
Pedicure needed.

weekend:
I spent a few hours at WHIRL’s YogaFest – I won a set of tickets, thanks to Yelp! Pittsburgh. I completed three classes, including my first Bikram session, and completely pooped out from the exercise and heat and direct sun. The thought of doing yoga ALL DAY certainly was ambitious. Whew. I’m STILL struggling Monday.

seven things, seven days:
1. Can I reiterate how much group assignments suck? And how much MORE they suck when it’s a group PAPER?!
2. All I want to do is flake out and read for hours on end and finish a book. Alas, there are papers to write.
3. I’m taking my first Amtrak trip to DC in a couple weeks. Really excited about it. And it’s a great opportunity to work on aforementioned group paper on board.
4. Hosted a reunion brunch for my “meat” class. I love hosting brunches. CHAMPAGNE!
5. I’m a PlayBuzz quiz answer! I seriously love my teammate for creating this — maybe you’ll get me, like I did.
6. Do you watch The Bachelorette? Here’s a fun article: What attachment style is Andi?
7. SWEATSHIRT WEATHER!!!!!!

Weekly Therapy: finding serenity in change

- Mel

the week:
Better late than never: THEY’RE FINALLY STARTING RENOVATIONS. Ahem. I have to admit that it hasn’t been THAT bad, but the construction is really distracting me from schoolwork (I’m doing most of the “important” concentrating things in the evenings, after they leave).

…and then they put a nail into a new pipe. SERENITY NOW.

furries anthrocon pittsburgh
Furries! (and me, in my awesome StitchFix dress)

weekend:
I have to work another night shift (for our big annual fundraiser); otherwise it’s all homework, all the time on this weekend to-do list. Although I’m hoping at least for Sunday brunch and a glass of champagne with my bestie who is visiting for the party.

seven things, seven days:
1. OATMEAL! Love oatmeal. And this is why oatmeal keeps you full. {scientific american}
2. Is being too nice a problem? {via daily times}
3. Hanging out with the Anthrocon “furries” last weekend was great.
4. Although TOO. MUCH. DRINKING.
5. Derby break is over, and back to regular practices! I both loved having a break and loved being back.
6. And now I get to use my derby organization in a research study for one of my classes. Kind of nice having 60+ people at your disposal for surveying.
7. Need a durable tote like this, in cognac leather color, to carry laptop and such. Suggestions? LL Bean confirmed the cognac bag was discontinued. For sad.