Weekly Therapy

Weekly Therapy: Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.

- Mel

the week:
I started making plans for what I wanted to do once I finished my degree program (in THREE WEEKS!), and my focus will be on decluttering my life. I have this really weird habit of making sure that I have back-ups of stuff that I *might* need when something runs out, and sometimes it’s months before I actually need it. I have hundreds (thousands) of people who I follow over a variety of social media platforms who add no value to the online conversation. My brain is cluttered. My house is cluttered (albeit organized). My inbox is cluttered. My twitter is too noisy.

I seriously have 20 things already on its own Uncluttering to-do list, and I am serious about living a more minimalist life. I feel as though I’m drowning in stuff lately… and frankly? I don’t want to clean or organize it anymore.

weekend:
I have, like, 10 hours of OMMMMMM planned for the Whirl YogaFest on Saturday (place any bets if I actually wake up for the 6am session?). And Sunday is this summer’s last (boo!) OpenStreets PGH event. I’ve got another 6-mile run on my plan for the morning, so I’ll be running with SCRR peeps again.

52 books in 52 weeks:
I feel as though I’ve been reading this book I’m on forever… and I’m only 20% through. I’m wondering if I should just switch to something else.

seven things, seven days:
1. Do you get the daily helloprompt newsletter? Every day there is an amazing source of inspiration within. It’s a beautiful and fun little community.
2. Before I implement a self-imposed shopping strike, I bought myself a little something (and something else) from the lululemon factory sale and because I’m not buying cheap, trendy workout shit anymore.
3. This week, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar titled: How to Deal with Difficult People. Isn’t it great when you learn a little bit more about yourself at these things? (I’m totally High C, “get it right”-type personality, by the way.)
4. Propelled (*honk*) by the ladies of Propelle, I did this 60-second/30 circles creativity test. Follow along on social media #propelle30
5. Came home from work last night to cat puke all over the sitting room (including the couch and side tables, wtf), and dotted along the hallway and dining room. SRSLY, CATS.
6. More of the same from the gluten-free haters… or, rather, the people who want to be first in line to pitchfork someone for wanting to feel better by adapting their diet. Don’t read the comments. Also: do you even understand what placebo effect means, bro? UGH. The Myth of Big, Bad Gluten. {via NYT}
7. Rethinking exercise as a source of immediate rewards. {via NYT}

Weekly therapy: The worst comes first.

- Mel

the week:
I feel like I’m finally making progress on my Capstone project, now that I have a clear focus (and I’m not freaking out on the regular). I can’t wait to share with you when I’m finished! It’s amazing to think how much my interests have changed since I started this program a year-and-a-half ago, and it’s incredible to think I will be done in less than a month. The first couple weeks of the semester were rough — this project is probably the hardest thing I’ve done to date — but I am keeping a new perspective of my accomplishments so far in this program, knowing that its completion will lead me to some recharged career opportunities and interests.

weekend:
Oh, hai Cleveland! I can’t wait to run along your beautiful lake. Aside from the comfort of hotel living for a couple days, I will be squeezing homework in between catching up with my ol’ stomping grounds. Any restaurant suggestions for this gluten-free lady?

I’m officially already on my weekend (hai, also wine!). Enjoy your pickles, Pittsburgh.

52 books in 52 weeks:
I figured that without any textbooks for my final two courses, that I would be doing a lot more reading of journals rather than books (I was right). I started getting into Judy Blume’s new book, but I’ll be leaving at home and bringing a case study with me to read (fun times!).

seven things, seven days:
1. This week, I inadvertently found the option to respond to text messages while in the lock screen of my iPhone. LIFE CHANGING.
2. You’ve heard of “ghosting” by now, right? (We used to call it “pancaking” in my day. And it happened to me more times than should for one person. Ahem.) Did you read this NYT article? All I can muster is WTF, COWARDS.
3. Hilariously, I received my PopsugarMustHave, StitchFix, and Ipsy on the same day this week. Should I start doing reviews?
4. Timehop tells me that I was in Costa Rica two years ago. SIGH.
5. PTO Day is my everything right now (hello, laundry!)
6. Darya of Summer Tomato gets this SO RIGHT >> The Secret Ingredient You’re Missing for Stronger Motivation
7. “Thirty-one per cent of us sleep fewer than six hours a night, and sixty-nine per cent report insufficient sleep” — I am part of this statistic. Why Can’t We Fall Asleep. {via New Yorker}

Weekly Therapy: Is dissatisfaction the direct opposite of satisfaction?

- Mel

the week:
I’m done with this heat and humidity and feeling as though my eyeballs are sweating every time I go outside (and even knowing wtf a dew point is, but know every day that it’s terrible). I miss laying out in my hammock a lot. The cover hasn’t been off the thing since early June when my sister and niece visited. Gross.

weekend:
It’s FURRIES WEEKEND — and probably one of my favorite weekends in Pittsburgh! This year, Anthrocon is doing its annual parade outside for the public on Saturday afternoon, and I intend to be there. I’ll also be gathering with some friends on Friday for Happy Hour to help welcome them into town.

Saturday night is the Deutschtown Music Festival, and I’ll be bar-hopping a little that evening as well. Sunday, I’ve got a long run (7 miles) on the schedule and MUCHO homeworko. Or something.

52 books in 52 weeks:
In the middle of a couple books, but didn’t finish anything this week.

seven things, seven days:
1. Started my week off with a 90-minute massage — with someone new and also a man, which is beside the point — I’ve been having difficulty with my usual therapist’s schedule fitting mine, so I might have a new go-to because I feel amazing. (And I’m not waiting two months to go back again.)
2. My friends (who we traveled to Costa Rica with two years ago) sent me some coffee straight from Guatemala and I just want to hoard it. SO DELICIOUS.
3. Blood work this week to check on how my Vitamin D levels (and everything else) are doing. Having a late morning appointment when having to fast is something awful. And then I almost passed out on the nurse. :-/
4. …and the results are already in by the publishing of this post: I’m now back on prescription D. Again. UGH.
5. How do you find time for more reflection every week? Asking for a friend.
6. This post from Ash Ambirge STOPPED. ME. IN. MY. TRACKS. I can’t get her/this post out of my head. Kick in the ass needed. {via the middle finger project}
7. Speaking of which, Yes & Yes also has an amazing post about change. This one resonated with me so much, especially with recent events of which I’ve vague-posted. {h/t to Nicole at Life Less Bullshit for emailing out this article}

Weekly Therapy: Trust Your Struggle

- Mel

the week:
The formulation of a prospectus for my senior capstone project has been overwhelming. While I have a good idea of my final project, filling in all the parts of what I’ve learned so far in my program, I feel troubled at being able to pull this all together in less than 6 weeks. Mind you, there’s nothing else to work on in this course aside from the capstone project, but BOY do I need the miracle of time and project management on my side (and BOY would a project management course had been helpful in this program). My other course is the Psychology of Motivation and already getting some really interesting info about motives (how can I also work these concepts into my prospectus?).

#trust
#trust

But guys? MY LAST TWO CLASSES. In 6 weeks, my week and weekend reports will no longer be filled with homework (but likely more than enough grad school application stuff to keep you entertained!).

weekend:
Tying up some loose ends on aforementioned prospectus. We’ve got tickets to the Indians vs. Pirates on July 4th, along with a BBQ/tailgate with our Pittsburgh Browns Backers prior to the game. I also have a 90-minute massage scheduled.

Otherwise, I’ve mostly stayed out of what’s going on around town this weekend (I mean, aside from You Gotta Regatta because can we really ever get away from that during the holiday weekend?).

52 books in 52 weeks:
I’m halfway to my goal — and I’m on track!
#26: After Perfect: A Daughter’s Memoir by Christina McDowell. This was a TOTALLY gratuitous, guilty pleasure read, and I finished it in one day. Non-fiction, and a really interesting complement (and perspective) for those who are familiar with “The Wolf of Wall Street” story.

seven things, seven days:
1. Four-day workweek!
2. Uh, did some damage to my shopping budget this month: splurged on a TRX Home system (but I got a $50 discount towards it!), some new yoga accessories, and a couple pieces from this month’s (awesome, tropical printed) Fabletics collection. ACK. At least it wasn’t on a credit card? Note: contains referral link.
3. I am committed to putting the EXACT amount I spent towards paying off a credit balance too (in keeping with my July intentions).
4. We hired someone (who came highly referred from another company we work with) to take out a tree on our side patio. Welp, he never showed up!
5. ERMAGAHD, speaking of roots… I finally got my hair done (and it’s more platinum than ever!).
6. That’s one way to a fountain of youth: Older athletes have a young fitness age {via New York Times}
7. Mark Reagan on Tim Brownson’s site posting about the Laws of Attraction… What universe just exploded? {via A Daring Adventure}

Weekly Therapy: All you need is love and love is all you need.

- Mel

the week:
Finals Week. I’m stressed. I’m also doubly-stressed about preparing my prospectus for my Capstone project that basically starts NOW. I’m sitting in a little pressure cooker now, with six weeks left until I am DONE done with this program and all I want to do is meditate and yoga and zone out.

By the way, how about that Supreme Court decision, eh? <33333333 weekend:
Pretty sure I’ll be finishing up a paper or two on Saturday, and Sunday I will be prepping for my last two courses that begin on Monday (including aforementioned Capstone project). NO BOOKS REQUIRED, holla!

Sunday is also Open Streets PGH, and I’ll at least be doing the 6-mile training run with SCRR in the morning. Shit, I’ll probably have a few mimosas too.

52 books, 52 weeks:
#23: Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture: Based on the Competing Values Framework by Cameron & Quinn. Textbook that I really need to read in depth again before my Capstone class starts. I think the instruments and insight in this book will be usable for my senior project.

#24: Your Nutrition Solution to a Healthy Gut. I needed another easy read to catch up on my book goal and to take a break from my coursework. “Healthy Gut” was another food/nutrition guide book that was mostly easy-to-understand but not completely targeted to gluten-free folks (there’s an entire line of these nutritional books by Kimberly Tessmer, by the way). There’s a great meal plan and I like the section about “10 things you should (and should not) be eating.” This book was provided to me by the publisher, FYI. And it’s so newly-published that it’s not even on Goodreads.

seven things, seven days:
1. A Ranking of all 169 episodes of Seinfeld. If you’re into that. I know what I’ll be doing once I’m done with school. {via Vulture.com}
2. Not only did my boyfriend & I make it on the Kiss Cam at the Pirates game this week, but I was (embarrassingly) shown on the Chicken Dance Cam. #streetcredruined
3. The first of the FUSE@PSO concert series was this Wednesday at the Symphony and OMG you CANNOT miss the next one in October!
4. Received my President’s List letter from winter semester, and I’m on a straight-A streak! Which, of course, leads to more anxiety about performing well during my last semester.
5. I’m so happy that my friend-slash-neighbor joined me for a 6am run and could be both my running and accountability partner. Although 5:45am wake-up calls…zzzzzzzz.
6. I enjoyed this article from The Book of Life immensely: When is One Ready to Get Married. Although I got lost a bit on the intention of #6, the rest is profound maturity in the making for readiness in marriage.
7. “Professional Introvert” — well, this post just resonated too much for me {via The Financial Diet}

Weekly Therapy: Party on, Wayne

- Mel

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}

Weekly Therapy: When you take responsibility you ensure your evolution

- Mel

the week:
I’m so exhausted this week, you guys. What’s up with that?

weekend:
Tonight is the Tar & Feather party at Wigle, followed by Beauty Slap at James Street Gastropub. Saturday, I FINALLY get to see a Steel City Roller Derby game this season. Sunday evening we’re having dinner hosted by some friends in the neighborhood. And OH GOD, WHEN WILL I DO HOMEWORK.

Pilates Fest is this Sunday at Keystone Health Club in East Pittsburgh. I’m hoping to get most of my homework done on Saturday so that I can attend. There’s also Yoga in the Square and Pride March, if you’re staying around downtown.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#20: Using Individual Assessments in the Workplace (course textbook) — I’m sure it will be a good resource in the future, but… thank god I’m done with it! (I have three books for this one class.)

seven things, seven days:
1. The Aviary’s new Condor Court exhibit is complete and looks to be opening soon — the birds were out testing their new rock structure and ponds!
2. Six-year-old children are exhausting. Maybe that’s what I’m still recovering from?
3. GOT MY NEW MACBOOK! (Happy belated birthday.)
4. I’m on an organizational rampage this week.
5. Ooooh, Knix Wear has a subscription! Probably the best exercise-friendly underwear EVER.
6. Found a new armband for running: this Armpocket Xtreme (yes, in the wild colors) is AMAZING.
7. The Mental Game: great piece to about what sports psychologists are doing at The University of Utah.

Weekly Therapy: Breaking shit and taking names (and calling contractors)

- Mel

the week:
What do you do with transformative thoughts and experiences? Allow them to ruminate for a while until you see what resides — what sticks? Or use them impulsively as a catalyst for changing everything in your life that no longer resonates?

I don’t know if this is the rumblings of a mid-life crisis or the emergence and clarity from one.

weekend:
Our neighborhood’s yard sale is this weekend, and I’m so excited to chuck a bunch of shit that’s been cluttering my life and home. This process is step one for creating an office slash relaxation space for me in the attic. Don’t put it past me to paint everything by Sunday. Side note: we now have air conditioning up on the third floor, which makes it more a loft than an attic now. Even if said new air-conditioning unit sounds like a helicopter landing on the roof.

I’m also excited to have my sister and niece out for the weekend. I’ll be running a quickie 5K Stride for Pride on Sunday morning (hopefully, PR’ing too) and will find a place to lay my yoga mat outside in the park soon after. My sister is a yoga instructor, so maybe she can show me some other fun inversions to practice.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#18: Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Harmful Acts by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson

I really enjoyed this book — even more as I got further into it. If you’re a social psych junkie and interested in things like confirmation bias and self-justification, this is the book for you!

#19: Gluten is My Bitch: Rants, Recipes, and Ridiculousness for the Gluten-Free by April Peveteaux

I wanted to like this book more than I did, but it was thankfully a quick read so it didn’t waste too much of my time (especially skipping through all the recipes). Nothing new or mind-blowing here, if you’re already gluten-free, except for maybe an enhanced fear of cross-contamination.

seven things, seven days:
1. Ugh, student loans, amirite?
2. The main air conditioning unit won’t turn on. Looking forward to these 90-degree temps this weekend, for sure! (I’ll be hanging out in the attic with the new wall unit.)
3. Remember how much fun I had coloring at the Happiness Conspiracy sessions? Well, Skyhorse Publishing sent me a new coloring book: Paisleys: Coloring for Everyone. I’m going to enjoy this immensely.
4. I broke a door knob off in my house this week too because, you know, you fix a few things in the house and more shit breaks in their place. It’s a never-ending cycle of WTF, house?
5. There’s an Evereve store opening in Pittsburgh next week! It’s dubbed “clothing for moms,” but I think it’s 30-something-appropriate and fun even if you’re child-free. And I’m all about easy, functional, comfortable clothing.
6. I’m out of coffee right now, and have no microwave, so I just heated up yesterday’s leftovers in a pot on the stove. This life is glamorous, I tell you.
7. The benefits of boredom {via Greatist}

Weekly Therapy: Play to win or play to have fun?

- Mel

the week:
It was a short week for me work-wise having both Monday and Friday off, but I certainly crammed a week’s worth of work into those three days. I feel like next Monday will be unbearably long…

weekend:
I won’t tire of bragging about my retreat — I am positively elated and looking forward to a weekend full of yoga and relaxation. And being on the lake. I might even play some air hockey at one of the arcades nearby.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#17 Moody Bitches: The Truth About the Drugs You’re Taking, The Sleep You’re Missing, The Sex You’re Not Having, and What’s Really Making You Crazy.

While my overall feel of this book was lukewarm and I wished it would have pursued more where my interests were (and a lot less where they weren’t), it prompted me to take action in regards to stopping my birth control last month (it took me a while to get through this book). I’ve been talking about it for a few years already and after reading about the long-term effects (that my doctor certainly has never talked to me about), it was time to give it up — and to enjoy what’s left of this glorious perimenopausal time of life.

seven things, seven days:
1. My allergies were out of control this week. POLLEN VORTEX.
2. I was seriously so pumped that I had the opportunity to see Neil DeGrasse-Tyson’s lecture earlier this month; naturally, I was extra-excited when a friend pointed this limited edition poster out to me. It’s GLOW IN THE DARK.
3. Nicky’s Thai for lunch on Tuesday, means Nicky’s Thai leftovers for lunch on Wednesday and Thursday.
4. Contractors who came out to do an estimate for cleaning the basement after the sewer backed up have STILL not given us the freakin’ estimate. So annoyed.
5. My “new” chair is finished! Urbane Reclamation customized this AMAZING vintage chair for us with new fabric and a new stain. I can’t wait to show you the finished project once it’s in my living room!
6. This post “Why Kids Quit Sports” include several reasons why I finally quit roller derby this year. Important viewpoints for adults here too, if you have kids who play sports {via Changing the Game Project}
7. I enjoyed this article immensely — especially as I’ve struggled with overcoming nagging injuries leftover from roller derby and finding a passion for CrossFit again. A Different Version of CrossFit: How I made my training sustainable and injury free {via Breaking Muscle}

Weekly Therapy: Pick Your Therapy

- Mel

the week:
I barely made it through my first week back to school without having a serious breakdown from stress. (I almost typed “breadown” so maybe I need a sandwich.) One assignment took me TWO HOURS LONGER than I expected, and both classes have major assignments of the week due on Thursdays instead of Sundays. Anyway, it just screws up my schedule a little bit, and I have to readjust. But I had to cancel on my fun Thursday night event, and I’m still reeling from how crazy, out-of-control I felt.

weekend:
While it was only in the 40s early Friday morning, THE POOL OPENS THIS WEEKEND! I have a lot of being lazy on the veranda happening. And I’m going to play some golf with the boyfriend.

Also, TEDxPGH is Saturday at the Byham.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#16: Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink. This book covers a new category of interest, food psychology! I highlighted a LOT, as there a lot of realistic ways to change your eating habits by being mindful of portions and labeling (they trick us!), and taking the role of gatekeeper for your household more seriously.

The irony is that the day after I finished this book, I was walking behind two women conversing about eating habits. One of them BLAMED HER CHILDREN for having bad food in the house. Pretty sure they’re not doing the shopping, and this is where these healthy eating habits can be learned. Although, it’s important to note that the foods we take comfort in can be realized at any point in adulthood — it’s not only a trigger from childhood.

Pet Therapy Booth: Best thing to happen to your lunch break, ever
Pet Therapy Booth: Best thing to happen to your lunch break, ever

seven things, seven days:
1. Went super blonde for summer!
2. Sooooo… where my Bachelorette-watching friends at? (Watching it with my boyfriend, by the way, is a hilarious experience.)
3. Trying to stay away from all these email deals for the holiday weekend… never mind, too late.
4. There are so many options for outdoor yoga in Pittsburgh this summer — Saturdays in the park by my neighborhood too!
4. Speaking of yoga: Yoga & meditation in detention centers.
5. OMG There was a therapy booth set up in Market Square at lunch today, and I got to hang out with some little kittens. I was very SQUEE.
6. Oooh, the myths of self-development. {via a daring adventure}
7. I’m seriously considering this Foodist Kitchen program to finally get over my inability (or unwillingness) to cook for myself.